f ^y^JUXl^ exe^vx-^ (^Ha^.^<rvA ) ^W:^^^ 



Counsels to Teachers 

Parents and Students 

Regarding 

Christian Education 



By Ellen G. White 

Author of 

"Christ's Object Lessons," "Ministry of Healing," "Education," 

"Steps to Christ," "Thoughts from the Mount 

of Blessing," and other works. 



"True knowledge is divine" 



Pacific Press Publishing Association 

Mountain View, California 

Portland, Oregon Kansas City, Missouri Calgary, Alberta 






Copyrigld ID 13 hy 
ELLEN G. WHITE 



©CI.A34734G 



PREFACE 



In presenting to those interested in educational 
problems this compilation of counsels to teachers, 
parents, and students, we are confident of the hearty 
approval of those who are familiar with such parts 
of its contents as have been published heretofore in 
"Christian Education" and "Special Testimonies 
on Education." 

The small editions of these earlier books were long 
ago exliausted, and our teachei's have requested that 
they ))e reprinted, with the addition of such matter 
on education as has been written by the author in 
recent years. 

A search through her manuscript files brought to 
the hands of the compilers such a wealth of valuable 
new matter, that a portion of the old has been omitted, 
and still this volume is much larger than was at first 
intended. The wide range of articles especially valu- 
able to parents has increased not only the size but 
also the usefulness of the book. 

For the convenience of the reader, a full subject 
index and a scriptural index have been appended. 
And at the close of the various sections of the book, 
a carefully prepared reference index will be found, 
directing attention to other writings of the author 
on the several phases of Christian education. 

With the hope that this volume may help to cheer 
the hearts and strengthen the hands of parents, 
teachers of every grade, students, and all who are 
laboring for the success of our educational insti- 
tutions, we send it forth on its mission. 

The Publishers. 
[v] 



CONTENTS 

Section I. THE IIKUIER EDUCATION 



PAdi-: 



The Essential Knowledge - . - - 11 

The First op Sciences 19 

The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe 

Educator 25 

Unselfish Service the Law op Heaven - 32 

Section XL THE AIM OP OUR SCHOOLS 

Our Children and Youth Demand Our Care 41 

The Primal Object of Education - - 49 

The Heavenly Pattern . . - - 56 

Character-Building 61 

Teachers and Teaching - - - - 64 

Section HI. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 

The Right Education 73 

Our College 86 

Deportment op Students - - - - 98 

Section IV. THE HOME SCHOOL 

The Child's First School - . - - 107 

Safeguarding the Young . . . . 119 

What Shall Our Children Read? - - 132 

The Parable of the Growing Seed - - 140 

Teaching Lessons of Helpfulness - - 145 

[7] 



8 Counsels to Teachers 

PAGE 

Co-operation Between the Home and the 

School - 150 

Home Schools - 158 

Section V. THE CHURCH SCHOOT. 

Our Responsibility - - - - - 165 

The Work to be Done for Our Children - 168 

The Work of the Church School - - 173 
Christ as the Examplk and Teacher of 

Youth - 178 

The Hible Lesson 181 

Teachinc; from Nature . „ . . J85 

Under Discipline to (!iirist - - - 191 

Section VI. THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 

Intermediate Schools 203 

Value of the Common Branches - - 215 

TiiK Influence of Association - - - 220 

Section VII. THE TEACHER AND THE 
WORK 

Some of the Christian Teacher's Needs - 229 

The Necessity of Doing Our Best - - 237 

A Deeper Consecration . - . _ 248 

The Importance of Simplicity - - - 253 

A Caution 256 

The Great Teacher 259 

Christian Discipline 264 

Section VIIL STUDY AND LABOR 

The Dignity of Labor 273 

Words of Counsel 281 



Contents 9 

PAGR 

Physical Labor for Students - - - 285 

Health and Efficiency .... 294 

Some Principles of Healthful Dressing - 302 

A Practical Training 307 



Section TX. RECREATION 

As Lkjhts in the World . . . - 321 

Dangerous Amusements for the Young - 325 
Establishing Right Principles in the 

Youth 331 

Christian Recreation 336 

Worldly Amusements ----- 338 

Holidays unto God 343 

How TO Spend Holidays .... 346 

The Danger in Amusements - - - 348 

Section X. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR 
SCHOOLS 

The Teacher ^s Need op the Holy Spirit's 

Aid 357 

A Failure to Recognize God's Messenger - 363 

Manifest Working of the Holy Spirit - 369 

Section XI. PROFITABLE STUDY 

The False and the True in Education - 377 

The Knowledge that Endures - - - 389 

In Co-operation with Christ - - - 397 

To Teachers and Students - - - - 401 

A Speedy Preparation for Work - - 404 



10 Counsels to Teachers 

Section XII. THE BIBLE IN EDJCATION 



PAOE 



God's Word a Treasure-House - - - 421 

The Book of Books ----- 427 

The Bible Teacher 431 

A Failure to Study God's Word - - - 438 

Some Results of Bible Study - - - 448 

The Word and Works of God - - - 453 

S'iMiDY the Bible for Yourselves - - 4(10 

Section XIII. MEDICAL STUDIES 

A Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries - 465 

The Medical Student 474 

Spiritual Growth 485 

Section XIV. A MISSIONARY TRAINING 

Education a Fitting for Service - - 493 

Gaining Efficiency 500 

Efficiency Through Service - - - 507 
The Education IMost Essential for Gospel 

Workers 509 

''According to That. a Man Hath'' - - 511 
Young JMen as Missionaries - - - 514 
Co-operation Betw^een Schools and Sani- 
tariums ------ 519 

A Broader View - 524 

An Encouraging Experience - - . - 529 

A Missionary Education - - - . 531 

The Youth to be Burden-Bearers - - 535 

Literary Societies ----- 541 

Student Missionary Work . - - . 545 



THE HIGHER EDUCATION 



The most essential lessons for teachers 
and students to learn, are those whicli 
point, not to the world, but from the 
world to the cross of Christ. 



THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE 

Higher education is an experimental knowledge 
of the plan of salvation, and this knowledge is se- 
cured hy earnest and diligent study of the Scrip- 
tures. Such an education will renew the mind and 
transform the character, restoring the image of God 
in the soul. It will fortify the mind against the 
deceptive whisperings of the adversary, and enable 
us to understand the voice of God. It will teach 
the learner to become a co-worker wdth Jesus Christ, 
to dispel the moral darkness about him, and bring 
light and knowledge to men. It is the simplicity of 
true godliness — our passport from the preparatory 
school of earth to the higher school above. 

There is no education to be gained higher than that 
given to the early disciples, and which is revealed to 
us through the word of God. To gain the higher 
education means to follow this word implicitly; it 
means to walk in the footsteps of Christ, to prac- 
tise His virtues. It means to give up selfishness, and 
to devote the life to* the service of God. Higher 
education calls for something greater, something 
more divine, than the knowledge to be obtained 
merely from books. It means a personal, experi- 

[11] 



12 Counsels to Teachers 

mental knowledge of Christ; it means emancipation 
from ideas, from habits and practices, that have been 
gained in the school of the prince of darkness, and 
which are opposed to loyalty to God. It means to 
overcome stubbornness, pride, selfishness, worldly 
ambition, and unbelief. It is the message of deliv- 
erance from sin. 

Age after age the curiosity of men has led tliem 
to seek for the tree of knowledge, and often tliey 
think they are plucking fruit most essential, when iu 
i-eality it is vanity and nothingness iu comparisuu 
witli tliat science of true holiness which would open 
to them the gates of the city of God. Human am- 
liition seeks for knowledge that will bring to them 
glory, and self-exaltation, and supremacy. Thus 
Adam and Eve were influenced by Satan until God's 
restraint was snapped asunder, and their education 
under the teacher of lies began. They gained the 
knowledge which God had refused them, — to know 
the consequences of transgression. 

The tree of knowledge, so-called, has become an 
instrument of death. Satan has artfully woven his 
dogmas, his false theories, into the instruction given. 
Prom the tree of knowledge he speaks the most 
pleasing flattery in regard to the higher education. 
Thousands partake of the fruit of this tree, but it 
means death to them. Christ says, "Ye spend money 
for that which is not bread." Isa. 55:2. You are 
using your heaven-entrusted talents to secure an 
education which God pronounces foolishness. 

Upon the mind of every student should be im- 
pressed the thought that education is a failure un- 
less the understanding has learned to grasp the truths 



The Essential Knowledge "' 13 

of divine revelation, and unless the heart accepts the 
teachings of the gospel of Christ. The student who, 
in the place of the broad principles of the word of 
God, will accept common ideas, and will allow the 
time and attention to be absorbed in commonplace, 
trivial matters, will find his mind becoming dwarfed 
and enfeebled. He will lose the power of grow Hi. 
The mind must be trained to comprehend the impor- 
tant truths that concern eternal life. 

I am instructed that we are to carry the minds of 
our students higher than is now thougiit to be pos- 
sible. Heart and mind are to be trained to preserve 
their purity by receiving daily supplies from the 
fountain of eternal truth. The education gained 
from a study of God's word will enlarge the narrow 
confines of human scholarship, and present before 
the mind a far deeper knowledge to be obtained 
through a vital connection with God. It will bring 
every student who is a doer of the word into a 
broader field of thought, and secure to him a wealth 
of learning that is imperishable. Without this knowl- 
edge it is certain that man will lose eternal life; 
possessing it, he will be fitted to become a com- 
panion of the saints in light. 

The divine mind and hand have preserved through 
the ages the record of creation in its purity. It is 
the word of God alone that gives to us an authentic 
account of the creation of our world. This word is 
to be the chief study in our schools. In it we may 
learn what our redemption has cost Him who from 
the beginning was equal with the Father, and who 
sacrificed His life that a people might stand before 



14 Counsels to Teachers 

Him redeemed from everything earthly, renewed in 
the image of God. 

God's appointments and grants in our behalf are 
without limit. The throne of grace is itself the high- 
est attraction, because occupied by One who permits 
us to call Him Father. But Jehovah did not deem 
the plan of salvation complete while invested only 
with His love. He has placed at His altar an Ad- 
vocate clothed in His nature. As our intercessor, 
(Jiirist's office work is to introduce us to God as 
His sons and daughters. He intercedes in behalf 
of those who receive Him. With His own blood He 
has paid their ransom. By virtue of His own merits 
He gives them power to become members of the royal 
family, children of the heavenly King. And the 
Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ by 
receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His 
friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. 
He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and 
mediation, of His Son. 

The science of salvation, the science of true god- 
liness, the knowledge which has been revealed from 
eternity, which enters into the purpose of God, ex- 
presses His mind, and reveals His purpose, — this 
Heaven deems all-important. If our youth obtain 
this knowledge, they will be able to gain all else 
that is essential; but if not, all the knowledge they 
may acquire from the world will not place them in 
the ranks of the Lord. They may gather all the 
knowledge that books can give, and yet be ignorant 
of the first principles of that righteousness which 
will give them characters approved of God. 



The Essential Knowledge 15 

THE PERIL IN WORLDLY EDUCATION 

To many who place their children in our schools, 
•strong temptations will come because they desire 
them to secure what the world regards as the most 
essential education. To these I would say, Bring 
your chihlren to the simplicity of the Word, and 
they will be safe. This book is the foundation of 
all true knowledge. The highest education they can 
receive is to learn how to add to their "faith virtue; 
and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temper- 
ance; and to temperance patience; and to patience 
godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and 
to brotherly kindness charity." "If these things be 
in you, and abound," the word of God declares, 
"they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor 
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
. . . If ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for 
so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-11. 

When the word of God is laid aside for books that 
lead away from God, and that confuse the under- 
standing regarding the principles of the kingdom 
of heaven, the education given is a perversion of 
the name. Unless the student has pure mental food, 
thoroughly winnowed from the so-called "higher 
education," which is mingled with infidel sentiments, 
he cannot truly know God. Only those who co- 
operate with heaven in the plan of salvation can 
know what true education in its simplicity means. 

Those who seek the education that the world es- 
teems so highly, are gradually led farther and far- 



16 Counsels to Teachers 

ther from the principles of truth, until they become 
educated worldlings. At what a price have they 
gained their education! They have parted with the. 
Holy Spirit of God. They have chosen to accept 
what the world calls knowledge in the place of the 
truths whicli God has committed to men through 
His ministers and apostles and prophets. 

And there are some who, having secured this 
worldly education, think that they can introduce it 
into our schools. There is constant danger that those 
who labor in our schools and sanitariums will en 
tertain the idea that they must get in line with the 
world, study the things the world studies, and be- 
<;ome familiar with the things the world becomes 
familiar with. We shall make grave mistakes unless 
we give special attention to the searching of the 
Word. The Bible should not be brought into our 
schools to be sandwiched between infidelity. God's 
word must be made the groundwork and subject- 
matter of education. It is true that we know much 
more of this word than we knew iu the past, but 
there is still much to be learned. 



The true higher education is that imparted by Him 
with whom is ''wisdom and strength," out of whose 
mouth "cometh knowledge and understanding." 
Job 12 : 13 ; Prov. 2:6. In a knowledge of God all 
true knowledge and real development have their 
source. Wherever we turn, in the mental, the phys- 
ical, or the spiritual realm; in whatever we behold, 
apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge is re- 
vealed. Whatever line of investigation we pursue 



The Essential Knowledge 17 

with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are 
brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelli- 
gence that is working in and through all. The mind 
of man is brought into communion with the mind of 
God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such 
communion on body and mind and soul is beyond 
estimate. — ''Education," p. 14. 



In the Teacher sent from God all true educational 
work finds its center. Of this work to-day, as verily 
as of the work He established eighteen hundred years 
ago, the Saviour speaks in the words, "I am the 
first and the last, and the Living One." "I am the 
Alpha and the Omega, the beginning ^and the end." 
Rev. 1:17, 18; 21:6, R. V. 

In the presence of such a teacher, with such op- 
portunity for divine education, what worse than folly 
is it to seek an education apart from Him, — to seek 
to be wise apart from Wisdom; to be true while re- 
jecting Truth ; to seek illumination apart from Light, 
and existence without the Life; to turn from the 
Fountain of living waters, and hew out broken cis- 
terns, that can hold no water! — "Education/' p. S3. 



Dear teacher, as you consider your need of strength 
and guidance, — need that no human source can 
supply, — I bid you consider the promises of Him 
who is the wonderful Counselor. ''Behold," He 
says, "I have set before thee an open door, and no 
man can shut it." Rev. 3:8. "Call unto Me, and 
I will answer thee." Jer. 33:3. "I will instruct 

2 — Counsels 



18 Counsels to Teachers 

thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: 
I will guide thee with ]\Iine eye." Ps. 32: 8. "Even 
unto the end of tlie world," ''I am with you." 
Matt. 28:20. 

As the highest prejoaration for your work, I point 
you to the words, the life, the methods, of the Prince 
of teachers. I bid you consider Him. Here is your 
true ideal. Behold it, dwell upon it, until the Spirit 
of the divine Teacher sliall take possession of your 
heart and life. "Reflecting as a mirror the giory of 
the Lord," you will he "transformed into the same 
image." 2 Cor. 3:18, U.Y.—'' Education,'' p. 232. 



'-<•>- 



Advancement in true education dofs not harmonize 
with selfishness. True knowledge comes from God, 
and returns to God. His children are to receive 
that they may give again. Those who through tlie 
grace of God have received intellectual and spir- 
itual benefits, are to draw others with them as they 
advance to a higher excellence. And this work, done 
to promote the good of others, will have the co- 
operation of unseen agencies. As we faithfully con- 
tinue the work, we shall have high aspirations for 
righteousness, holiness, and a perfect knowledge of 
God. In this life we become complete in Christ, and 
our increased capabilities we shall take with us to 
the courts above. 



THE FIRST OF SCIENCES 

A knowledge of true science is power; and it is 
the purpose of God that this knowledge shall be 
taught in our schools as a preparation for the work 
that is to precede the closing scenes of this earth's 
history. The truth is to be carried to the remotest 
bounds of earth, through agents trained for the work. 

But while the knowledge of science is power, the 
knowledge that Jesus came in person to impart is 
still greater power. The science of salvation is 
the most important science to be learned in the 
preparatory school of earth. The wisdom of Solo- 
mon is desirable, but the wisdom of Christ is far 
more desirable and more essential. We cannot reach 
Christ through a mere intellectual training; but 
through Him we can reach the highest round of the 
ladder of intellectual greatness. While the pursuit 
of knowledge in art, in literature, and in trades, 
should not be discouraged, the student should first 
secure an experimental knowledge of God and His 
wiU. 

The opportunity of learning the science of salva- 
tion is placed within the reach of all. By abiding in 
Christ, by doing His will, by exercising simple faith 
in His w^ord, even those unlearned in the wisdom of 
the world may have this knowledge. To the humble, 
trusting soul the Lord reveals that all true knowl- 
edge leads heavenward. 

[19] 



20 T Counsels to Teachers 



MASTERING THE SCIENCE 



There is a science of Christianity to be mastered, — 
a science as much deeper, broader, higher, than any 
human science as the heavens are higher than the 
earth. The mind is to be disciplined, educated, 
trained; for men are to do service for God in ways 
that are not in harmony with inborn inclination. 
Often the training and education of a lifetime must 
be discarded, that one may become a learner in the 
school of Christ. The heart must be educated to 
become steadfast in God. Old and young are to form 
habits of thought that will enable them to resist 
temptation. They must learn to look upward. The 
principles of the word of God — principles that are 
as high as heaven and that compass eternity — are 
to be understood in their bearing on the daily life. 
Every act, every word, every thought, is to be in 
accord wuth these principles. 

No other science is equal to that which develops 
in the life of the student the character of God. Those 
who become followers of Christ find that new motives 
of action are supplied, new thoughts arise, and new 
actions must result. But they can make advance- 
ment only through conflict; for there is an enemy 
who ever contends against them, presenting tempta- 
tions to cause the soul to doubt and sin. There are 
hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil that must 
be overcome. Appetite and passion must be brought 
under the control of the Holy Spirit. There is no 
end to the warfare this side of eternity. But while 
there are constant battles to fight, there are also pre- 
cious victories to gain; and the triumph over self 
and sin is of more value than the mind can estimate. 



V " The First of Sciences 21 

TRUE SUCCESS IN EDUCATION 

True success in education, as in everything else, 
is found in keeping the future life in view. The 
human family have scarcely begun to live when they 
begin to die; and the world's incessant labor ends 
in nothingness, unless a true knowledge in regard to 
eternal life is gained. He who appreciates pro])a- 
tionary time as the preparatory school of life, will 
use it to secure to himself a title to the heavenly man- 
sions, a membership in the higher school. For this 
school the youth are to be educated, disciplined, and 
trained by forming such characters as God will ap- 
prove. 

If students are led to understand that the object 
of their creation is to honor God and to bless their 
fellow-men; if they recognize the tender love which 
the Father in heaven has manifested toward them, 
arid the high destiny for which the discipline of this 
life is to prepare them, — the dignity and honor of 
becoming the sons of God, — thousands will turn from 
the low and selfish aims and the frivolous pleasures 
which have hitherto engrossed them. They will learn 
to hate sin, and to shun it, not merely for hope of 
reward or from fear of punishment, but from a sense 
of its inherent baseness — because it is degrading to 
their God-given powers, a stain upon their manhood. 
The elements of character that make a man success- 
ful and honored among men, — the irrepressible de- 
sire for some greater good, the indomitable will, the 
strenuous exertion, the untiring perseverance, — will 
not be crushed out. By the grace of God, they will 
be directed to objects as much higher than mere 



22 Counsels to Teachers 

selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are 
higher than the earth. 

"God hath from the beginning chosen you to sal- 
vation," the apostle Paul writes, "through sancti- 
fication of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 
Thess. 2 : 13. In this text the two agencies in the 
work of salvation are revealed, — the divine influence, 
and the strong, living faith of those who follow 
Christ. It is through the sanctification of the Spirit 
and belief of the truth that we become laborers to- 
gether with God. Christ waits for the co-operation 
of His church. He does not design to add a new 
element of efficiency to His word; He has done His 
great work in giving His inspiration to the word. 
The blood of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the di- 
vine Word, are ours. The object of all this provi- 
sion of heaven is before us, — the salvation of the 
souls for whom Christ died; and it depends upon us 
to lay hold on the promises God has given, and 
become laborers together with Him. Divine and 
human agencies must co-operate in the work. 

"Every one that is of the truth," Christ declared, 
"heareth My voice." John 18:37. Having stood 
in the counsels of God, having dwelt in the everlast- 
ing heights of the sanctuar}^, all elements of truth 
were in Him and of Him. He was one with God. 
It means more than finite minds can comprehend to 
present in every missionary effort Christ and Him 
crucified. "He was wounded for our transgressions, 
He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement 
of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes 
we are healed." Isa. 53:5. "He hath made Him 
to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might 



The First of Sciences 23 

be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 
5:21. Christ crucified for our sins; Christ risen 
from the dead; Christ ascended on high as our in- 
tercessor, — this is the science of salvation that we 
need to learn and to teach. This is to be the burden 
of our work. 

The cross of Christ — teach it to every student 
over and over again. How many ])elieve it to be what 
it is'^ How many l)ring it into their studies, and 
know its true signilieanee '^ Could there be a Chris- 
tian in our world without the cross of Christ? Then 
keep the cross upheld in your school as the founda- 
tion of true education. The cross of Christ is just 
as near our teachers, and should be as perfectly un- 
derstood by them, as it was by Paul, who could say, 
"God forbid that 1 should glory, save in the cross 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is cru- 
citied unto me, and I unto the world." Gal. 6:14. 

Let teachers, from the highest to the lowest, seek 
to understand what it means to glory in the cross 
of Christ. Then by precept and example they can 
teach their students the blessings it brings to those 
who bear it manfully and bravely. The Saviour de- 
clares, ''If any man will come after Me, let him deny 
himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." 
]\Iatt. 16 : 24. And to all who lift it and bear it after 
Christ, the cross is a pledge of the crown of immor- 
tality that they will receive. 

Educators w^ho will not work in this line are not 
worthy of the name they bear. Teachers, turn from 
the example of the world, cease to extol professedly 
great men; turn the minds of your students from 



2-i Counsels to Teachers 

the glory of everything save the cross of Christ. The 
crucified Messiah is the central point of all Chris- 
tianity. The most essential lessons for teachers and 
students to learn are those which point, not to the 
world, but from the world to the cross of Calvary. 



-^- 



Godliness — Godlikoness — is the goal to be reached. 
Hefore the student there is opened a path of con- 
tinual progress. He has an object to achieve, a 
standard to attain, that includes everything good, 
and pure, and noble. He will advance as fast and 
as far as possible in every branch of true knowl- 
edge. But his efforts will be directed to objects as 
much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests 
as the heavens are higher than the earth. 

He who co-operates with the divine purpose in 
imparting to the youth a knowledge of God, and 
moulding the character into harmony with His, does 
a high and noble work. As he awakens a desire to 
reach God's ideal, he presents an education that is 
as high as heaven and as broad as the universe; an 
education that cannot be completed in this life, but 
that will be continued in the life to come; an edu- 
cation that secures to the successful student his pass- 
port from the preparatory school of earth to the 
higher grade, the school above. — ^'Education,'' pp. 
18, 19. 



THE TEACHER OF TRUTH THE ONLY 
SAFE EDUCATOR 

There are two classes of educators in the world. 
One class is made up of those whom God makes chan- 
nels of light; the other of those whom Satan uses as 
his agents, who are wise to do evil. One class con- 
template the character of God, and increase in the 
knowledge of Jesus. This class become wholly given 
up to those things which bring heavenly enlighten- 
ment, heavenly wisdom, to the uplifting of the soul. 
Every capability of their nature is submitted to God ; 
even their thoughts are brought into captivity to 
Christ. The other class are in league with the prince 
of darkness, w^ho is ever on the alert that he may 
find an opportunity to teach others the knowledge 
of evil, and who, if place is made for him, will not 
be slow to press his way into heart and mind. 

There is great need of elevating the standard of 
righteousness in our schools, of giving instruction 
that is after God's order. Should Christ enter our 
institutions for the education of the youth. He Avould 
cleanse them as He cleansed the temple, banishing 
many things that have a defiling influence. Many of 
the books which the youth study would be expelled, 
and their places filled with others that would incul- 
cate substantial knowledge, and would abound in 
sentiments which might be treasured in the heart, 
and in precepts that might safely govern the conduct. 

Is it the Lord's purpose that false principles, false 
reasoning, and the sophistries of Satan should be 

[25] 



26 Counsels to Teachers 

kept before the minds of our youth and children? 
Shall pagan and infidel sentiments be presented to 
our students as valuable additions to their store of 
knowledge? The works of the most intellectual 
skeptic are the works of a mind prostituted to the- 
service of the enemy; and shall those who claim to 
Ije reformers, who seek to lead the children and youth 
in the right way, in the path east up for the ran- 
somed of the Lord to walk in, imagine that God 
would have them present to the youth for their study 
that wliich will misrepresent His character and place 
Him in a false light? Shall the sentiments of unbe- 
lievers, the expressions of dissolute men, be advocated 
as worthy of the student's attention, because they 
are the productions of men wliom the worhl admires 
as great thinkers? Shall men professing to believe 
in God gather fruin these unsanctified authors their 
expressions and sentiments, and treasure them up as 
pi'eeious jewels to be stored away among the riches 
of the mind ? God forbid ! 

The Lord bestowed upon these men whom the 
world admires, priceless intellectual gifts; He en- 
dowed them with master-minds; but they did not 
use their powers to the glory of God. They separated 
themselves from Him, as did Satan; but while they 
separated themselves from Him, they still retained 
many of the precious gems of thought which He had 
given them. These they have placed in a framework 
of error, to give luster to their own human senti- 
ments, to make attractive the utterances inspired by 
the prince of evil. 

It is true that in the writings of pagans and in- 
fidels there are found thoughts of an elevated char- 



The Onlxj Safe Educator 27 

aeter, which are attractive to the mind. But there 
is a reason for this. Was not Satan the light-bearer, 
the sharer of God's glory in heaven, and next to 
Jesus ill power and majesty? In the words of in- 
spiration he is described as one who sealeth up the 
sum, "full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty." The 
prophet declares, ' ' Thou art the anointed cherub that 
covereth ; and I have set thee so : thou wast upon the 
holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and 
down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast 
perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast 
created, till iniquity was found in thee." Eze. 28: 
12, 14, 15. . . . 

The greatness and power wath which the Creator 
endowed Lucifer, he has perverted; yet when it suits 
iiis purpose, he can impart to men sentiments that 
are enchanting. Satan can inspire his agents with 
thoughts that appear elevating and noble. Did he 
not come to Christ with quotations of Scripture 
when he designed to overthrow Him with specious 
temptations? It is thus that he comes to men, dis- 
guising his temptations under an appearance of 
goodness, and making them believe him to be the 
friend rather than the enemy of humanity. In this 
waj^ he has deceived and. seduced the race, beguiling 
them wdth subtle temptations, bewildering them with 
specious deceptions. 

GOD MISREPRESENTED 

Satan has ascribed to God all the evils to which 
flesh is heir. He has represented Him as a God who 
delights in the sufferings of His creatures, who is 
revengeful and implacable. It w^as Satan who origi- 



28 Counsels to Teachers 

nated the doctrine of eternal torment as a punish- 
ment for sin, because in this Avay he could lead men 
into infidelity and rebellion, distract souls, and de- 
throne human reason. 

Heaven, looking down and seeing the delusions into 
which men were led, knew that a divine Instructor 
must come to the earth. Through the misrepresenta- 
tions of the enemy, many were so deceived that they 
worshiped a false god, clothed with the attributes 
of the Satanic character. Those in ignorance and 
moral darkness must have light, spiritual light; for 
the world knew not God, and He must be revealed 
to their understanding. Truth looked down from 
heaven, and saw not the reflection of her image; for 
dense clouds of spiritual darkness and gloom en- 
veloped the world. The Lord Jesus alone was able 
to roll back the clouds; for He is the light of the 
world. By His presence He could dissipate the 
gloomy shadow that Satan had cast between man and 
God.— First puhlished Nov. 17, 1891. 



A TRUE REPRESENTATION 

The Son of God came to this earth to reveal the 
character of the Father to men, that they might learn 
to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He came to 
sow the world with truth. He held the keys of all 
the treasures of wisdom, and was able to open doors 
to science, and to reveal undiscovered stores of knowl- 
edge, were it essential to salvation. The Light that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world, every 
phase of truth was evident to Him. 



The Only Safe Educator 29 

• 

In the days of Clirist, the established teachers in- 
structed men in the traditions of the fathers, in child- 
ish fables, witli which were mingled the opinions of 
those who were thought to be high authorities. Yet 
neither high nor low could find light or strength in 
their teaching. 

Jesus spake as never man spake. He poured out 
to men the whole treasure of heaven in wisdom and 
knowledge. He had not come to utter uncertain sen- 
timents and opinions, but to speak truth established 
on eternal principles. He could have made disclos- 
ures in the sciences that would have placed the dis- 
coveries of the greatest men in the background as 
utter littleness; but this was not His mission or His 
work. He had come to seek and to save the lost, and 
He would not permit Himself to be turned from 
His object. He revealed truths that had been buried 
under the rubbish of error, and He freed them from 
the exactions and traditions of men, and bade them 
stand fast forever. He rescued truth from its obscu- 
rity, and set it in its proper framework, that it might 
shine with its original luster. What wonder that 
crowds followed in the footsteps of the Lord, and 
gave Him homage as they listened to His words! 

Christ presented to men that which was entirely 
contrary to the representations of the enemy in re- 
gard to the character of God, and sought to impress 
upon men the love of the Fathei;, who "so loved the 
w'orld, that He gave His only begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth in Him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life.'' John 3:16. He urged upon men 
the necessitj^ of prayer, repentance, confession, and 
the abandonment of sin. He taught them honesty, 



30 Counsels to Teachers 

forbearance, mercy, and compassion, djoiulug upon 
them to love not only those who loved them, but those 
who hated them and treated them despitefully. In 
all this He was revealing to them the character of 
the Father, who is long-suffering, merciful, and gra- 
cious, slow to anger, and full of goodness and truth. 

When Moses asked the Lord to show him His 
glory, the Lord said, "I will make all My goodness 
pass before thee." "And the Lord passed by before 
him, and proclaimed. The Lord, The Lord God, mer- 
ciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in 
goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, for- 
giving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that 
will by no means clear the guilty. . . . And Moses 
made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, 
and worshiped. ' ' Ex. 33 : 19 ; 34 : 6-8. When we are 
able to comprehend the character of God, as did 
Moses, we too shall make haste to bow in adoration 
and praise. 

The wisdom of God alone can unfold the mysteries 
of the plan of salvation. The wisdom of men may or 
may not be valuable, as experience shall prove; but 
the wisdom of God is indispensable. Miss what you 
may in the line of worldly attainments, but you must 
have faith in the pardon brought to you at infinite 
cost, or all the wisdom attained on earth will perish 
with you. 

Shall we bring into our schools the sower of tares? 
Shall we permit men who have been taught by the 
enemy of all truth to have the education of our 
youth? Or shall we take the word of God as our 
guide? Why take the unstable words of men as ex- 
alted wisdom, when a greater and certain wisdom is 



The Only Safe Educator 31 

at your cominaiid? Why present iui'erior authors 
to the atteution of students, wlien He whose words 
are spirit and life invites, "Come, . . . and lecirn of 
Me"V Matt. 11:28, 29. 

"Labor not for the meat wliicli perisheth," Christ 
admonished, "l)ut for that meat which endureth unto 
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give 
unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed." 
John 6 : 27. When we ol)ey these words, we shall 
rightly understand the teachings of the Scriptures, 
and esteem the truth as the most valuable treasure 
with which to store the mind. We shall have within 
us a wellspring of the water of life. We shall pray 
as did the psalmist, "Open Thou mine eyes, that I 
may behold wondrous things out of Thy law;" and 
we shall find, as he did, that "the judgments of the 
Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be 
desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold : 
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moi-e- 
over by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping 
of them there is great reward." Ps. 119: 18; 19: 9-11. 



■<£>- 



It is only life that can beget life. He alone has 
life who is connected with the Source of life, and 
only such can be a channel of life. In order that 
the teacher may accomplish the object of his work, 
he should be a living embodiment of truth, a living 
channel through which wisdom and life may flow. A 
pure life, the result of sound principles and right 
habits, should therefore be regarded as his most es- 
sential qualification. 



UNSELFISH SERVICE THE LAW OF HEAVEN 

Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is 
the basis of true education. This is made plain in 
the law that God has given as the guide of life. The 
first and great commandment is, ''Thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all 
thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy 
strength." Mark 12:30. To love Him, the infinite, 
the omniscient One, with the whole strength and mind 
and heart, means the highest development of every 
power.. It means that in the whole being — the body, 
the mind, as well as the soul — the image of God is 
to be restored. 

Like the first is the second commandment, "Thou 
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Mark 12:31. 
The law of love calls for the devotion of body, 
mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow- 
men. And this service, Avhile making us a blessing to 
others, brings the greatest blessing to ourselves. Un- 
selfishness underlies all true development. Through 
unselfish service we receive the highest culture of 
every faculty. 

THE RESULT OF SELF-SEEKING 

Lucifer in heaven desired to be first in power and 
authority; he wanted to be God, to have the ruler- 
ship of heaven; and to this end he won many of the 
angels to his side. When with his rebel host he was 
cast out from the courts of God, the work of rebellion 

[32] 



Unselfish St re ice 33 

and self-seeking was continued on earth. Through 
the temptation to self-indulgence and ambition 
Satan accomplished the fall of our first parents; and 
from tliat time to the present the gratification of 
human aml)ition and the indulgence of selfish hopes 
and desires have proved the ruin of mankind. 

Under God, Adam was to stand at the head of the 
earthly famil.y, to maintain the principles of the 
heavenly family. This would have brought peace and 
happiness. But the law that none "liveth to him- 
self" (Rom. 14:7), Satan was determined to op- 
pose. He desired to live for self. He sought to 
make himself a center of infiuence. It was this that 
had incited rebellion in heaven, and it was man's 
acceptance of this principle that brought sin on 
earth. When Adam sinned, man broke away from 
the heaven-ordained center. A demon became the 
central power in the world. Where God's throne 
should have been, Satan placed his throne. The 
world laid its homage, as a willing offering, at the 
feet of the enemy. 

The transgression of God's law brought woe and 
death in its train. Through disobedience man's pow- 
ers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of 
love. His nature became so weakened that it was 
impossible for him to resist the power of evil; and 
the tempter saw being fulfilled his purpose to thw^art 
the divine plan of man's creation, and fill the earth 
with misery and desolation. IMen had chosen a ruler 
who chained them to his car as captives. 

THE REMEDY 

Looking upon man, God saw his desperate rebel- 
lion, and He devised a remedy. Christ was His gift 

3 — Counsels 



34: Counsels to Teachers 

to the world for man's reconcilement. The Son of 
God was appointed to come to this earth to take hu- 
manity, and by His own example to be a great edu- 
cating powder among men. His experience in man's 
behalf was to enable men to resist Satan's power. 
He came to mould character and to give mental 
power, to shed abroad the beams of true education, 
that the true aim of life might not be lost sight of. 
The sons of men had had a practical knowledge of 
evil; Christ came to the world to show them that 
He had planted for them the tree of life, the leaves 
of which are for the healing of the nations. 

Christ's life on earth teaches that to obtain the 
higher education does not mean to gain popularity, 
to secure w^orldly advantage, to have all the temporal 
wants abundantly supplied, and to be honored by 
the titled and wealthy of earth. The Prince of life 
suffered the inconveniences of poverty, that He might 
discern the needs of the poor, — He who by His di- 
vine power could supply the needs of a hungry mul- 
titude. Not to wear the gorgeous robes of the high 
priest, not to possess the riches of the Gentiles, did 
He come to this earth, but to minister to the suf- 
fering and the needy. His life rebukes all self- 
seeking. As He went about doing good, He made 
plain the character of God's law and the nature of 
His service. 

Christ might have opened to men the deepest truths 
of science. He might have unlocked mysteries which 
have required many centuries of toil and study to 
penetrate. He might have made suggestions in 
scientific lines that till the close of time would have 
afforded food for thought and stimulus for inven- 



Unselfish Service 35 

tion. But He did not do this. He said nothing to 
gratify curiosity or to stimulate selfish ambition. 
He did not deal in abstract theories, but in that 
which is essential to the development of character, 
that which will enlarge man's capacity for knowing 
God, and increase his power to do good. Instead of 
directing the people to study men's theories about 
God, His word, or His works, Christ taught them 
to behold Him as manifested in His works, in His 
word, and by His providences. He brought their 
minds in contact with the mind of the Infinite. He 
unfolded principles that struck at the root of self- 
ishness. 

Those who are ignorant of education as it was 
taught and exemplified in the life of Christ, are 
ignorant of what constitutes the higher education. 
His life of humiliation and death of shame paid the 
redemption price for every soul. He gave Himself 
for the uplifting of the fallen and the sinful. Can 
we imagine an education higher than that to be 
gained in co-operation with Him? 

To every one Christ gives the command, "Go work 
to-day in My vineyard for the glory of My name. 
Represent before a world laden with corruption the 
blessedness of true education. The weary, the heavy- 
laden, the broken-hearted, the perplexed — point 
them to Christ, the source of all strength, all life, 
all hope." To teachers the word is spoken, "Be 
faithful minute-men. Seek for the higher educa- 
tion, for entire conformity to the will of God. You 
will surely reap the reward that comes from, its re- 
ception. As you place yourselves where you can be 



36 Counsels lo Tcaclicrs 

recipients of the blessing of God, the name of the 
Lord will be magnified through you." 

Not lip service, not profession, but humble, de- 
voted lives, is that for which God is seeking. Teach- 
ers and students are to know by experience what it 
means to live consecrated lives, which reveal the 
sacred principles that are the basis of Christian char- 
acter. Those who give themselves to learn the way 
and will of God, are receiving the highest education 
that it is i)ossible for mortals to receive. They are 
building their experience, not on the sophistries of 
the world, but upon principles that are eternal. 

It is the privilege of every student to take tlie life 
and teachings of Christ as his daily study. Chris- 
tian education means the acceptance, in sentiment 
and principle, of the teachings of the Saviour. It 
includes a daily, conscientious walking in the foot- 
steps of Christ, who consented to come to the world 
in the form of humanity, that He might give to the 
human race a power that they could gain by no other 
means. What was that power ? — The power to take 
the teachings of Christ and follow them to the letter. 

In His resistance of evil and His labor for others, 
Christ gave to men an example of the highest edu- 
cation. He revealed God to His disciples in a way 
that wrought in their hearts a special work, such as 
He has long been urging us to allow Him to do in 
our hearts. There are many who in dwelling so 
largely on theory have lost sight of the living power 
of the Saviour's example. They have lost siglit of 
Him as the self-denying, humble worker. What they 
need is to behold Jesus. Daily they need the fresh 



I'lisiljisli Scrcicc 37 

revealing of His presence. They need to follow more 
closely His example of self-renunciation and sacrifice. 

We need the experience that Paul had wiien he 
wrote, ''I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I 
live ; A^et not I, but Christ livetli in me : and the life 
which I now live in the flesh I live by tlie faith of the 
Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for 
me.'' Gal. 2:20. 

The knowledge of God and of Jesus Clirist ex- 
I)ressed in character is tlu^ very liighest education. 
Tt is the key that opens the portals of the heavenly 
city. This knowledge it is God's purpose that all 
who put on Clirist shall possess. 



He whose mind is enlightened by the opening of 
God's word to his understanding, will realize his 
responsibility to God and to the world, and he will 
feel that his talents must be developed in a way 
that will produce the very best results; for he is to 
''show forth the praises" of Him who has called 
him "out of darkness into His marvelous light." 
1 Peter 2:0. While growing in grace and in a 
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, he will realize 
ids own imperfections, lie will feel his real igno- 
rance, and he will seek constantly to preserve and 
put to the stretch his powers of mind, that he maj^ 
become an intelligent Christian. Students who are 
imbued with the Spirit of Christ, will grasp knowl- 
edge with all their faculties. Without this experi- 
ence, education is disrobed of its true brightness and 
glory. 



38 Counsels to Teachers 

The entrance of God's word is the application of 
divine truth to the heart, purifying and refining 
the soul through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The 
faculties devoted unreservedly to God, under the 
guidance of the divine Spirit, develop steadily and 
harmoniously. Devotion and piety establish so close 
a relation between Jesus and His disciples that the 
Christian becomes like Him. Through the power of 
God, his weak, vacillating character becomes changed 
to one of strength and steadfastness. He becomes 
a person of sound principle, clear perception, and 
reliable, well-balanced judgment. Having a connec- 
tion with God, the source of light and understand- 
ing, his views, unbiased by his own preconceived 
opinions, become broader, his discernment more 
penetrative and far-seeing. The knowledge of God, 
the understanding of His revealed will, as far as 
human minds can grasp it, will, when received into 
the character, make efficient men. 



Knowledge is power, but it is a power for good 
only when united with true piety. It must be vi- 
talized by the Spirit of God, in order to serve the 
noblest purposes. The closer our connection with 
God, the more fully can we comprehend the value of 
true science; for the attributes of God, as seen in 
His created works, can be best appreciated by him 
who has a knowdedge of the Creator of all things, 
the Author of all truth. Such can make the high- 
est use of knowledge; for when brought under the 
full control of the Spirit of God, their talents are 
rendered useful to the fullest extent. 



The Higher Education 



39 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



The Essential KNowLEDdE 



Ed., pp. 13-30. 

C. O. L., pp. 106-114. 

M. of H., pp. 409-42G. 



The First of SciENCEt 



C. O. L., p. 134. 



Unselfish Service the 
Law of Heaven 



Ed., pp. 301-309 

(the higher school). 
M. of H., p. 457. 
Test. Vol. 8, p. 328. 



THE AIM OF OUR SCHOOLS 



That our sons may be as plants 
grown up in their youth ; that our 
daughters may be as corner-stones, 
polished after the similitude of a 
palace." 



OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH DEMAND 
OUR CARE 

There has been altogether too little attention paid 
to our children and youth, and they have failed to 
develop as they should in the Christian life, be- 
cause the church-members have not looked upon them 
with tenderness and sympathy, desiring that they 
might be advanced in the divine life. 

In our large churches very much might be done 
for the youth. Shall they have less special labor; 
shall fewer inducements be held out to them to be- 
come full-grown Christians, — men and women in 
Christ Jesus, — than were afforded them in the de- 
nominations which they have left for the truth's 
sake? Shall they be left to drift hither and thither, 
to become discouraged, and to fall into the tempta- 
tions that are lurking everywhere to catch their 
unwary feet? If they err, and fall from the stead- 
fastness of their integrity, do the members of the 
church who have neglected to care for the lambs, 
censure and blame them, and magnify their failures? 
Are their shortcomings talked of and exposed to 

[41] 



42 Counsel'^ to Teachers 

others, and are they left in discouragement and 
despair "/ 

The work that lies next to our church-members is 
to become interested in our youth; for they need 
kindness, patience, tenderness, line upon line, pre- 
cept upon precept. Oh, where are the fathers and 
mothers in Israel? There ought to be a large num- 
ber who would be stewards of the grace of Christ, 
who would feel not merely a casual but a special 
interest in the young. There ought to be those whose 
hearts are touched by the pitiable situation in which 
our youth are placed, and who realize that Satan 
is working by every conceivable device to draw them 
into his net. 

God requires that the church arouse from her leth- 
argy, and see what is the manner of service demanded 
of her at this time of peril. The lambs of the flock 
must be fed. The Lord of heaven is looking on to 
see who is doing the work He would have done for 
the children and youth. The eyes of our brethren 
and sisters should be anointed with heavenly eye- 
salve, that they may discern the necessities of the 
time. We must be aroused to see what needs to be 
done in Christ's spiritual vineyard, and go to work. 

A LIBERAL EDUCATION TO BE PROVIDED 

As a people who claim to have advanced light, we 
are to devise ways and means by which to bring 
forth a corps of educated workmen for the various 
departments of the work of God. We need a well- 
disciplined, cultivated class of young men and women 
in our sanitariums, in the medical missionary work, 



Our (liUdren Demand Our Care 43 

in the offices of pul)li('ation, iu the cunlVreiices oi" 
different States, and in the field at large. We need 
young men and women who have a high intellectual 
culture, in order tliat they may do the best work for 
the Lord. We have done something toward reach- 
ing this standard, but still we are far behind where 
we should be. 

As a church, as individuals, if we would stand 
clear in the judgment, we must make more liberal 
efforts for the training of our young people, that they 
may be better fitted for the various branches of the 
great work committed to our hanck. We should lay 
wise plans, in order that the ingenious minds of those 
who have talent may be strengthened and disciplined, 
and polished after the highest order, that the work 
of Christ may not be hindered for lack of skilful 
laborers, who will do their work with earnestness and 
fidelity. 

ALL TO BE TRAINED 

The church is asleep, and does not realize the mag- 
nitude of this matter of educating the children and 
youth. ' ' Why, ^ ' one says, ' ' what is the need of being 
so particular to educate our youth thoroughly? It 
seems to me that if you take a few who have decided 
to follow a literary calling or some other calling 
that requires a certain discipline, and give due at- 
tention to them, that is all that is necessary. It is 
not required that the whole mass of our youth be so 
well trained. Will not this answer every essential 
requirement ? ' ' 

I answer, No, most decidedly not. What selec- 
tion should we be able to make out of the numbers of 
our youth? How could we tell who would be the 



44 Counsels to Teachers 

most promising, who would render the best service 
to God? In our judgment we might look upon the 
outward appearance, as Samuel did when he was 
sent to find the anointed of the Lord. When the 
noble sons of Jesse passed before him, and his eye 
rested upon the handsome countenance and fine stat- 
ure of the eldest son, to Samuel it seemed that the 
anointed of the Lord was before him. But tlie Lord 
said to him, "Look not on his countenance, or on 
the lieight of his stature; because I luive refused 
Idm : for the Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man 
looketh on the outward appearance, but the Ijord 
looketh on the heart." Not one of these noble-look- 
ing sons of Jesse would the Lord accept. But when 
David, the youngest son, a mere youth, was called 
from the field, and passed before Samuel, the Lord 
said, "Arise, anoint him: for this is he." 1 Sam. 
16:7, 12. 

Who can determine which one of a family will 
prove to be efficient in the Avork of God? There 
should be general education of all its members, and 
all our youth should l)e permitted to have the bless- 
ings and privileges of an education at our schools, 
that they may be inspired to become laborers to- 
gether with God. They all need an education, that 
they may be fitted for usefulness, qualified for places 
of responsibility in both private and public life. 
There is a great necessity of making plans that there 
may be a large number of competent workers, and 
many should fit themselves as teachers, that others 
may be trained and disciplined for the great work 
of the future. 



Our ChililrcH ])i)ii(nul Our Care 45 

A FUND FOR SCHOOL WORK 

The c'huri'h should take in tlie situation, and by 
their influence and means seek to bring about this 
luueh-desired end. Let a fund be created by gener- 
ous contributions for the establishment of schools for 
the advancement of educational work. We need men 
well trained, well educated, to work in the interests 
of the churches. They should present the fact that 
we cannot trust our youth to go to seminaries and 
colleges establisiicd by other denominations; that we 
must gathei' them into schools where their religious 
training shall not be neglected. 

HIGH AIMS 

God would not have us in any sense behind in 
educational work. Our colleges should be far in 
advance in the highest kind of education. ... If 
we do not have schools for our youth, they wall 
attend other seminaries and colleges, and will be 
exposed to infidel sentiments, to cavilings and cjues- 
tionings concerning the inspiration of the Bible. 
There is a great deal of talk concerning higher edu- 
cation, and many supi:)Ose that higher education 
consists wholly in an education in science and lit- 
erature; but this is not all. The highest education 
includes the knowledge of the word of God, and is 
comprehended in the words, "That they might know^ 
Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom 
Thou hast sent." John 17:3. 

The highest class of education is that which wdll 
give such knowledge and discipline as will lead to 
the best development of character, and will fit the 
soul for that life w^hich measures with the life of 



46 Counsels to Teachers 

God. Eternity is not to be lost out of our reckoning. 
The highest education is that which will teach our 
children and youth the science of Christianity, which 
will give them an experimental knowledge of God's 
ways, and will impart to them the lessons that Christ 
gave to His disciples, of the paternal character of God. 
''Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory 
in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in 
his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 
l)ut let him that glorieth glory in this, that he under- 
standeth and knoweth Me." Jer, 9:23, 24. . . . 
Let us seek to follow the counsel of God in all things ; 
for He is infinite in wisdom. Though we have come 
short of doing what we might have done for our 
youth and children in the past, let us now repent, 
and redeem the time. — "Special Testimonies on Edu- 
cation/' pp. 197-202; written April 28, 1896. 



THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHURCH- MEMBERS 

There is no work more important than the edu- 
cation of our youth. I am glad that we have in- 
stitutions where they can be separated from the 
corrupting influences so prevalent in the schools of 
the present day. Our brethren and sisters should be 
thankful that in the providence of God our colleges 
have been established, and should stand ready to sus- 
tain them by their means. Every influence should 
be brought to bear to educate the youth and to ele- 
vate their morals. They should be trained to have 
courage to resist the tide of moral pollution in this de- 
generate age. With a firm hold upon divine power, 
they may stand in society to mould and fashion, 
rather than to be fashioned after the world's model. 



Our Chil(lr( H Dinunu] Our Care 47 

When the yoiilli come to our colleges, they should 
not be made to feel that they have come among 
strangers, wlio do not care for their souls. We must 
guard them, fighting back Satan, that he sliall not 
take them out of our arms. Tliere should be fa- 
thers and mothers in Israel who will watch for their 
souls as they that must give an account, l^rethren 
and sisters, do not hold yourselves aloof from the 
youth, as if you had no particular concern or re- 
sponsibility for them. You who have long professed 
to be Christians have a work to do, patiently and 
kindly to lead them in the right way. You should 
show them that you love them because they are 
younger members of the Lord's family, the purchase 
of His blood. 

The future of society will be determined by the 
youth of to-day. Satan is making earnest, perse- 
vering efforts to corrupt the mind and debase the 
character of every youth; and shall we who have 
more experience stand as mere spectators, and see 
him accomplish his purpose without hindrance? Let 
us stand at our post as minute-men, to work for 
these youth, and through the help of God to hold 
them back from the pit of destruction. In the par- 
able, while men slept the enemy sowed tares; and 
while you, my brethren and sisters, are unconscious 
of his work, Satan is gathering an' army of youth 
under his banner; and he exults, for through them 
he carries on his warfare against God. 

THE teacher's PRIVILEGE 

The teachers in our schools have a heavy responsi- 
bility to bear. They must be in words and character 



4S Couvsels to Teachers 

what they wish their students to become, — men and 
women that fear God and work righteousness. If 
they are acquainted with the way themselves, they 
can train the youth to walk in it. They will not only 
educate them in the sciences, but will train them to 
have moral independence, to work for Jesus, and 
to take up burdens in His cause. 

Teachers, what opportunities are yours! What a 
privilege is within your reach of moulding 'the minds 
and characters of the youth under your charge! 
What a joy it will be to you to meet them around 
the great white throne, and to know that you have 
done what you could to fit them for immortality! 
If your work stands the test of the great day, like 
sweetest music will fall upon your ears the benedic- 
tion of the Master, ''Well done, thou good and faith- 
ful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord.'' Matt. 25:21. 

In the great harvest-field there is abundance of 
work for all, and those who neglect to do what they 
can, will be found gui*lty before God. Let us work 
for time and for eternity. Let us work with all 
the powers that God has bestowed upon us, and He 
will bless our well-directed efforts. 

The Saviour longs to save the young. He would 
rejoice to see them around His throne, clothed in the 
spotless robes of His righteousness. He is waiting 
to place upon their heads the crown of life, and to 
hear their happy voices join in ascril)ing honor and 
glory and majesty to God and the Lamb in the song 
of victory that shall echo and re-echo through the 
courts of heaven. 



THE PRIMAL OBJECT OP EDUCATION 

By a iiiiseoneeptioii of the true nature and object 
of education, many have been led into serious and 
even fatal errors. Such a mistake is made when the 
regulation of the heart or the establishment of prin- 
ciples is neglected in the effort to secure intellectual 
culture, or when eternal interests are overlooked in 
the eager desire for temporal advantage. 

To make the possession of worldly honor or riches 
our ruling motive, is unworthy of one who has been 
redeemed by the blood of Christ. It should rather 
be our aim to gain knowledge and wisdom that we 
may become better Christians, and be prepared for 
greater usefulness, rendering more faithful service 
to our Creator, and by our example and influence 
leading others also to glorify God. Here is some- 
thing real, something tangible, — not only words, but 
deeds. Not only the affections of the heart, but the 
service of the life, must be devoted to our Maker. 

THE ONE PERFECT PATTERN 

To bring man back into harmony with God, so to 
elevate and ennoble his moral nature that he may 
again reflect the image of the Creator, is the great 
purpose of all the education and discipline of life. 
So important was this work that the Saviour left the 
courts of heaven, and came in person to this earth, 
that He might teach men how to obtain a fitness for 
the higher life. For thirty years He dwelt as a man 
among men, passed through the experiences of hu- 

[49] 

4 — Counsels 



50 Counsels to Teachers 

man life as a child, a youth, a man ; He endured tlie 
severest trials that He might present a living illus- 
tration of the truths He taught. For three years 
as a teacher sent from God He instructed the chil- 
dren of men; then, leaving the work to chosen co- 
laborers. He ascended to heaven. But His interest 
in it has not abated. From the courts above He 
watches with the deepest solicitude the progress of 
the cause for which He gave His life. 

The character of Christ is the one perfect pat- 
tern which we are to copy. Repentance and faith, 
the surrender of tlie will, and the consecration of 
the affections to God, are the means appointed for the 
accomplishment of this work. To obtain a knowl- 
edge of this divinely ordained plan should be our 
first study; to comply with its requirements, our 
first effort. 

Solomon declares that "the fear of the Lord is the 
beginning of wisdom." Prov. 9:10. Concerning the 
value and importance of this wisdom, he writes: 
''Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wis- 
dom: and with all thy getting get understanding." 
Prov. 4: 7. "For the merchandise of it is better than 
the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than 
fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and 
all the things thou canst desire are not to be com- 
pared unto her. ' ' Prov. 3 : 14, 15. 

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST 

He who is seeking with diligence to acquire the 
wisdom of human schools, should remember that an- 
other school also claims him as a student. Christ 
was the greatest teacher the world ever saw. He 



The Primal Object 51 

brought to man kuowledge direct from heaven. The 
lessons which He has given us are what we need 
for both the present and the future state. He sets 
before us the true aims of life, and how we may 
secure them. 

In the school of Christ students are never gradu- 
ated. Among the pupils are both old and young. 
Those who give heed to the instructions of the divine 
Teacher, constantly advance in wisdom, refinement, 
and nobility of soul, and thus they are prepared to 
enter that higher school where advancement will con- 
tinue throughout eternity. 

Infinite Wisdom sets before us the great lessons of 
life, — lessons of duty and happiness. These are 
often hard to learn, but without them we can make 
no real progress. They may cost us effort and tears, 
and even agony, but we must not falter or grow 
weary. We shall at last hear the Master's call, 
"Child, come up higher." 

It is in this w^orld, amid its trials and tempta- 
tions, that we are to gain a fitness for the society of 
the pure and holy. Those who become so absorbed in 
less important studies that they cease to learn in the 
school of Christ, are meeting with infinite loss. They 
insult the divine Teacher by the rejection of the pro- 
visions of His grace. The longer they continue in 
their course, the more hardened are they in sin. 
Their retribution will be proportioned to the in- 
finite value of the blessings they have spurned. 

In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating 
influence that transforms the entire being, lifting 
man above every debasing, groveling vice, and rais- 
ing the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven. 



^2 Counsels to Teachers 

Linked to the Infinite One, man is made partaker 
of the divine nature. Upon him the shafts of evil 
have no effect; for he is clothed with the panoply 
of Christ's righteousness. 

Every faculty, every attribute, with which the 
Creator has endowed the children of men, is to be 
employed for His glory; and in this employment is 
found its purest, holiest, happiest exercise. While 
religious principle is held paramount, every advance 
step taken in the acquirement of knowledge or in 
the culture of the intellect, is a step toward the as- 
similation of the hujnan with the divine, the finite 
with the infinite. 

THE BIBLE AS AN EDUCATOR 

As an educator, the Holy Scriptures are without 
a rival. The Bible is the most ancient and the 
most comprehensive history that men possess. It 
came fresh from the Fountain of eternal truth; and 
throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its 
purity. It lights up the far-distant past, where hu- 
man research seeks in vain to penetrate. In God's 
w^ord only do we behold the power that laid the 
foundations of the earth, and that stretched out the 
lieavens. Here only do we find an authentic ac- 
count of the origin of nations. Here only is given 
a history of our race unsullied by human pride or 
prejudice. 

In the word of God tlie mind finds subjects for 
the deepest thought, the loftiest aspirations. Here 
we may hold communion with patriarchs and proph- 
ets, and listen to the voice of the Eternal as He 
speaks with men. Here we behold the Majesty of 



The Primal Object 53 

heaven as He humbled llimsoli' to becouie our sub- 
stitute and suivty, to cope single-handed with the 
powers of darkness, and to gain the victory in our 
behalf. A reverent contemplation of such themes 
as these cannot fail to soften, purify, and ennoble 
the heart, and at the same time to inspire the mind 
with new strength and vigor. 

Those who regard it as brave and manly to treat 
the claims of God with indifference and contempt, 
are thereby betraying their own folly and ignorance. 
While they boast their freedom and independence, 
they are really in bondage to sin and Satan. 

A clear conception of what God is and what He 
requires us to be, will lead to wholesome humility. 
He who studies aright the Sacred Word will learn 
that human intellect is not omnipotent. He will 
learn that without the help which none but God can 
give, human strength and wisdom are but weakness 
and ignorance. 

He who is following the divine guidance has found 
the only true source of saving grace and real hap- 
piness, and has gained the power of imparting hap- 
piness to all around him. No man can really enjoy 
life without religion. Love to God purifies and en- 
nobles every taste and desire, intensifies every af- 
fection, and brightens every worthy pleasure. It 
enables men to appreciate and enjoy all that is true, 
and good, and beautiful. 

But that which above all other considerations 
should lead us to prize the Bible, is that in it is 
revealed to men the will of God. Here we learn the 
object of our creation, and the means by which that 
object may be attained. We learn how to improve 



54 Counsels to Teachers 

wisely tlui present life, and liow to secure the future 
life. No other book can satisfy the questionings of 
the mind or the cravings of the heart. By obtain- 
ing a knowledge of God's word and giving heed 
thereto, men may rise from the lowest depths of deg- 
radation to become the sons of God, the associates 
of sinless angels. 

LESSONS FROM NATURE 

In the varied scenes of nature also are lessons of 
divine wisdom for all who have learned to commune 
with God. The pages that opened in undimmed 
brightness to the gaze of the first pair in Eden, bear 
now a shadow. A blight has fallen upon the fair 
creation. And yet, wherever we turn, we see traces 
of the primal loveliness; wherever we turn, we hear 
the voice of God, and behold His handiwork. 

From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder 
and old ocean's ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that 
make the forests vocal with melody, nature's ten 
thousand voices speak His j)raise. In earth and sea 
and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, vary- 
ing in gorgeous contrast or blended in harmony, we 
behold His glory. The everlasting hills tell of His 
power. The trees that wave their green banners in 
the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, 
point to their Creator. The living green that car- 
pets the brown earth, tells of God's care for the 
humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and 
the depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He 
who placed the pearls in the ocean and the amethyst 
and chrysolite among the rocks, is a lover of the beau- 
tiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representa- 



The Primal Object 55 

tive of Hiiu who is the life and light of all that He 
lias made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn 
the earth and light up the heavens, speak of God. 

Shall we, then, in the enjoyment of Ilis gifts, for- 
get the Giver? Let them rather lead us to con- 
template His goodness and His love. Let all that 
is beautif uL in our earthly home remind us of the 
crystal river and green fields, the Avaving trees and 
living fountains, the shining city and the white- 
robed singers, of our heavenly home, — that world 
of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal 
tongue describe. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things 
which God hath prepared for them that lov^ Him." 
1 Cor. 2 : 9. 

To dw^ell forever in this home of the blest, to bear 
in soul, body, and spirit, not the dark traces of sin 
and the curse, Irut the perfect likeness of our Cre- 
ator, and through ceaseless ages to advance in wis- 
dom, in knowledge, and in holiness, ever exploring 
new fields of thought, ever finding new wonders and 
new glories, ever increasing in capacity to know and 
to enjoy and to love, and knowing that there is still 
beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite, — such 
is the object to which the Christian's hope is point- 
ing, for which Christian education is preparing. To 
secure this education, and to aid others to secure it, 
should be the object of the Christian's life. 

® 



Let us never lose sight of the fact that Jesus is a 
wellspring of joy. He does not delight in the mis- 
ery of human beings, but loves to see them happy. 



THE HEAVENLY PATTERN 

Wc are rapidly Hearing- the final crisis in this 
world's history, and it is important that we nnder- 
stand that the educational advantages offered by our 
schools are to be different from those offered by the 
schools of the world. Neither are we to follow the 
routine of w^orldly schools. The instruction given 
in Seventh-day Adventist schools is to be such as to 
lead to the practice of true humility. In speech, in 
dress, in diet, and in tlu^ influence exei'ted, is to be 
seen the simplicity oL* true godliness. 

Our teachei's need to understand the work that is 
1() ])e done in these last days. The education given 
ill our schools, in our chiirclies, in our sanitariums, 
should present clearly the great woik to l)e accom- 
l^lished. The need of Aveeding from the lil'e every 
woi'ldly i)ractice that is ()i)i)osed to the teachings of 
tlie word of God, and of sui)i)]ying its place with 
deeds that bear the nuu'k of the divine nature, should 
be made clear to the students of all grades. Our 
work ol' (Hlucation is ever to bear the impress of the 
heavenly, and thus reveal how far divine instruction 
excels the learning of the world. 

To some this work of entire transfornuition may 
seem impossible. Hut it* this were so, W'hy go to the 
exj)ense ot* attempting to carry on a work of (chris- 
tian education at all .' Our knowledg(! of what true 
education means is to lead us ever to seek for strict 
purity of character. In all our association together 
we are to bear in mind that we are fitting for trans- 
fer to another world; the principles of heaven are 
[56] 



The Heavenly Pattern 57 

to be leariKHl and practisi'd ; the superiority of the 
future life to this life is to be impressed upon the 
mind of every learner. Teaehers who fail to bring 
this into their work of education, fail of having a 
part in the great work of developing cliaraetcn^ that 
can meet tlie approval of God. 

As the world in this age comes more and more 
under the infiuenee of Satan, the true children of 
God will desire more and more to be taught of Him. 
Teachers should be employed who will give a heav- 
enly mould to the characters of the youth. Under 
the intiucncc of such teachers, foolish and unessential 
practices will be exchanged for habits and practices 
befitting the sons and daughters of God. 

As wickedness in the woi'ld ])ecomes more pro- 
nounced, and the teachings of evil are more fully de- 
veloped and widely accepted, the teachings of Christ 
are to stand forth exemplified in the lives of con- 
verted men and women. Angels are waiting to co- 
operate in every department of the work. This has 
been presented to me again and again. At this time, 
the people of God, men and women who are truly 
converted, are to learn, under the training of faith- 
ful teachers, the; lessons that the God of heaven 
values. 

The most important work of our educational in- 
stitutions at this time is to set ])efore the world an 
example that will honor God. Holy angels are to 
supervise the work tln*ough human agencies, and 
every department is to bear the mark of divine ex- 
cellence. 

All our health institutions, all our publishing 
houses, all our institutions of learning, are to be con- 



58 (UuDisels to Teacliers 

ducted more and more in accordance with the instruc- 
tion that has heen given. When Christ is recognized 
as the head of all our working forces, more and more 
thoroughly will our institutions be cleansed from 
every common, worldly practice. The show and the 
pretense, and many of the exhibitions that in the past 
have had a place in our schools, will find no place 
there when teachers and students seek to carry out 
God's will on earth as it is done in heaven. Christ, 
as the chief working agency, will mould and fashion 
characters after the divine order; and students and 
teachers, realizing that they are preparing for the 
higher school in the courts above, will put away many 
things that are now thought to be necessary, and will 
magnify and follow the methods of Christ. 

The thought of the eternal life should be woven 
into all to which the Christian sets his hand. If the 
work performed is agricultural or mechanical in 
its nature, it may still be after the pattern of the 
heavenly. It is the privilege of the preceptors and 
teachers of our schools to reveal in all their work 
the leading of the Spirit of God. Through the grace 
of Christ every provision has been made for the per- 
fecting of Christlike characters; and God is honored 
when His people, in all their social and business deal- 
ings, reveal the principles of heaven. 

The Lord demands uprightness in the smallest as 
well as the largest matters. Those who are accepted 
at last as members of the heavenly court, will be men 
and women who here on earth sought to carry out 
the Lord's will in every particular, who sought to put 
the impress of heaven upon their earthly labors. 



The Hravenhj Pattrni 59 

The Lord gave an iini)c)i'Laiit icssou to ITis people 
iu all ages when to i\Ioses on the mount He gave in 
St ruction regarding the building of the tabernacle 
In that work He required perfection in every de- 
tail. Moses was proficient in all the learning of the 
Egyptians; he had a knowledge of God, and God's 
purposes had been revealed to him in visions; but 
he did not know how to engrave and embroider. 

Israel had been held all their days in the bondage 
of Egypt, and although there were ingenious men 
among them, they had not been instructed in the 
curious arts which were called for iu the building of 
the tabernacle. They knew how to make bricks, but 
they did not undesstand how to work in gold or 
silver. How w^as the work to be done? Who was 
sufficient for these things! These were questions 
that troubled the mind of Moses. 

Then God Himself explained how the work was to 
be accomplished. He signified by name the persons 
He desired to do a certain work. Bezaleel was to be 
the architect. This man belonged to the tribe of 
Judah, — a tribe that God delighted to honor. 

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I 
have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son 
of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him 
with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in under- 
standing, and in knowledge, and in all manner of 
workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in 
gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of 
stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work 
in all manner of workmanship. 



60 Counsels to Teachers 

''And I, heliold, I have given with him Aholiab, 
the son of Ahisanuich, of the tribe of Dan : and in 
the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put 
wisdom, that they may make all that I have com- 
manded thee." Ex. 31:1-6. 

In order that the earthly tabernacle might repre- 
sent the heavenly, it must be perfect in all its parts, 
and it must be, in every smallest detail, like the pat- 
tern in the heavens. So it is with the characters of 
those who are finally accepted in the sight of heaven. 

The Son of God came down to this earth that in. 
Him men and Avomen might have a representation 
of the perfect characters which alone God could ac- 
cept. Through the grace of Christ every provisicm 
has been made for the salvation of the human family. 
It is possible for every transaction entered into by 
those who claim to be Christians, to be as pure as the 
deeds of Christ. And the soul who accepts the vir- 
tues of Christ's character and appropriates the mer- 
its of His life, is as precious in the sight of God as is 
His own beloved Son. Sincere and uncorrupted faith 
is to Him as gold and frankincense and myrrh, — 
the gifts of the wise men to the Cliild of Bethlehem, 
and the evidence of their faith in Ilim as the prom- 
ised Messiah. 

® 

Let the child and the youth ))e tauglit that every 
mistake, every fault, every difficulty, conciuerod, be- 
comes a stepping-stone to ])etter and liiglier tilings. 
It is through such experiences that all who have ever 
made life w-orth the living have achieved success. 
—''Education/' p. 296. 



(MIAKA( ri:iMUIILDING 

"Whosoever Jicaretli tliese sayings of Mine," 
Christ said, "and doetli them, I will liken hiiii unto 
a wise man, which ])uilt his liouse upon a rock: and 
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the 
winds hlew, and beat upcm that house; and it fell 
not : for it was founded upon a rock. And every one 
that heareth these sayings of j\Iine, and doeth them 
not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built 
his house upon the sand : and the rain descended, and 
the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon 
that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." 
Matt. 7 : 24-27. 

The great work of parents and teachers is charac- 
ter-building, — seeking to restore the image of Christ 
in those placed under thetr care. A knowledge of the 
sciences sinks into insignificance beside this great 
aim; but all true education may be made to help in 
the development of a righteous character. The for- 
mation of character is the work of a lifetime, and it 
is for eternity. If all could realize this, and would 
awake to the fact that we are individually deciding 
our own destiny and the destinies of our children 
for eternal life or eternal ruin, w^hat a change w^ould 
take place ! How differently w^ould our probationary 
time be occupied, and with wiiat noble characters 
would our world be filled ! 

The question that should come home to each of us 
is. Upon w^hat foundation am I building? We have 
the privilege of striving for immortal life; and it 
is of the greatest importance that we dig deep, re- 
moving all the rubbish, and build on the solid rock, 

[61] 



62 Counsels to Teachers 

Christ Jesus. He is the sure foundation. "Other 
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which 
is Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 3:11. In Him alone is 
our salvation. "There is none other .name under 
heaven given among men, whereby we must be 
, saved." Acts 4:12. 

The foundation firmly laid, we need wisdom that 
we may know how to build. When Moses was about 
to erect the sanctuary in the wilderness, he was cau- 
tioned, "See . . . that thou make all things ac- 
cording to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." 
Heb. 8:5. In His law, God has given us the pattern. 
Our character-building is to be after "the pattern 
showed to thee in the mount." The law is the great 
standard of righteousness. It represents the char- 
acter of God, and is the test of our loyalty to His 
government. And it is revealed to us, in all its 
beauty and excellence, in the life of Christ. . . . 

Thoroughness is necessary to success in the work 
of character-building. There must be an earnest pur- 
pose to carry out the plan of the Master-builder. The 
timbers must be solid. No careless, unreliable work 
can be accepted, for this would ruin the building. 
The powers of the whole being are to be put into the 
work. It demands the strength and energy of man- 
hood ; there is no reserve to be wasted in unimportant 
matters. . . . There must be earnest, careful, perse- 
vering effort to break away from the customs, max- 
ims, and associations of the world. Deep thought, 
earnest purpose, steadfast integrity, are essential. 

There must be no idleness. Life is an important 
thing, a sacred trust; and every moment should be 
wisely improved, for its results will be seen in eter- 



Charact( r-Buildinij O.S 

nity. God requires each one to do all the good pos- 
sible. The talents which He has entrusted to our 
keeping are to be made the most of. He has placed 
them in our hands to be used to His name's honor 
and glory, and for the good of our fellow-men. . . . 

The Lord has precious promises in this life for 
those who keep His law. He says, "^ly son, forget 
not i\l3^ law; but let thine heart keep My command- 
ments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, 
shall tliey add to tliee. Let not mercy and truth for- 
sake thee: bind them a])out thy neck; write them 
upon the ta])le of thine heart : so shalt thou find favor 
and good understanding in the sight of God and 
man." Prov. 3:1-4. 

But a better than earthly reward awaits those w^ho, 
basing their work on the solid Rock, build up sym- 
metrical characters, in accordance with the living 
Word. For them is prepared "a city which hath 
foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Heb. 
11 : 10. Its streets are paved with gold. In it is the 
paradise of God, watered by the river of life, which 
proceeds from the throne. In the midst of the street, 
and on either side of the river, is the tree of life, 
which yields its fruit every month; "and the leaves 
of the tree were for the healing of the nations." 

Parents, teachers, students, remember that you are 
building for eternity. See that your foundation is 
sure; then build firmly, and with persistent effort, 
but in gentleness, meekness, love. So shall your house 
stand unshaken, not only when the storms of temp- 
tation come, but when the overwhelming flood of 
God's wrath shall sw^eep over the world. — '^Special 
Testimonies on Education,'' pp. 72-77. 



TEACHERS AND TEACHING 

True education means more than taking a certain 
course of study. It is broad. It includes the har- 
monious development of all the physical powers and 
the mental faculties. It teaches the love and fear of 
God, and is a preparation for the faithful discharge 
of life's duties. 

There is an education which is essentially worldly. 
Its aim is success in the world, the gratification of 
selfish ambition. To secure this education many stu- 
dents spend time and money in crowding their minds 
with unnecessary knowledge. The world accounts 
them learned; but God is not in their tlioughts. They 
eat of the tree of worldly knowledge, which nour- 
ishes and strengthens pride. In their hearts they be- 
come disobedient and estranged from God; and their 
entrusted gifts are placed on the enemy's side. Much 
of the education at the present time is of this char- 
acter. The world may regard it as highly desirable; 
])ut it increases the peril of the student. 

There is another kind of education that is very 
different. Its fundamental principle, as stated by 
the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, is, 
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His right- 
eousness." IMatt. 6:38. Its aim is not selfish; its 
purpose is to honor God, and to serve Him in the 
world. Both the studies pursued and the industrial 
training sought have this ol)ject in view. The word 
of God is studied; a vital connection with God is 
maintained, and the better feelings and traits of 
[64] 



T((i<]i<r.'^ <i)i(l Teachi)u) 65 

I'haraeter are brought into exercise. This kind of 
education produces results as lasting as eternity. 
''The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" 
(Prov. 9:10), and better than all knowledge is an 
understanding of His word. 

What shall be the character of the education given 
in our schools? Shall it be according to the wisdom 
of this world, or according to the wisdom which is 
from above? . . . Teachers are to do more for their 
students than to impart a knowledge of books. Their 
position as guide and instructor of the youth is most 
responsible, for to them is given the work of mould- 
ing mind and character. Those who undertake this 
work should possess well-balanced, symmetrical char- 
acters. They should be refined in manner, neat in 
dress, careful in all their habits ; and they should have 
that true Christian courtesy that wins confidence and 
respect. The teacher should be himself what he 
wishes his students to become. 

Teachers are to watch over their students as the 
shepherd watches over the flock entrusted to his 
charge. They should care for souls as they that must 
give an account. 

The teacher may understand many things in re- 
gard to the physical universe; he may know about 
the structure of animal life, the discoveries of natural 
science, the inventions of mechanical art ; but he can- 
not be called educated, he is not fitted for his Avork 
as an instructor of the youth, unless he has in his 
own soul a knowledge of God and of Christ. He 
cannot be a true educator until he is himself a 
learner in the school of Christ, receiving an educa- 
tion from the divine Instructor. 

5 — Counsels 



66 Counsels to Teachers 

GOD OUR DEPENDENCE 

God is the source of all wisdom. He is infinitely 
wise and just and good. Apart from Christ, the 
wisest men that ever lived cannot comprehend Him. 
They may profess to be wise ; they may glory in their 
attainments; but mere intellectual knowledge, aside 
from the .great truths that center in Christ, is as 
nothingness. "Let not the wise man glory in his 
wisdom; . . . but let him that glorieth glory in 
this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I 
am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, 
and righteousness, in the earth, ' ' Jer. 9 : 23, 24, 

If men could see for a moment beyond the range 
of finite vision, if they could catch a glimpse of the 
Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boast- 
ing. Men living in this little atom of a world are 
finite; God has unnumbered worlds that are obedi- 
ent to His laws, and are conducted with reference to 
His glory. When men have gone as far in scientific 
research as their limited powers will permit, there 
is still an infinity beyond what they can apprehend. 

Before men can be truly wise, they must realize 
their dependence upon God, and be filled with His 
wisdom. God is the source of intellectual as well as 
spiritual power. The greatest men, who have reached 
what the world regards as wonderful heights in sci- 
ence, are not to be compared with the beloved John 
or the apostle Paul, It is when intellectual and spir- 
itual power are combined that the highest standard 
of manhood is attained. Those who do this, God will 
accept as workers together with Him in the training 
of minds. 



Teachers and Teaching 67 

To know oneself is great knowledge. The teacher 
who rightly estimates himself will let God mould and 
discipline his mind. And he will acknowledge the 
source of his power. . . . Self-knowledge leads to 
humility, and to trust in God; but it does not take 
the place of efforts for self-improvement. He who 
realizes his own deficiencies will spare no pains to 
reach the highest possible standard of physical, men- 
tal, and moral excellence. No one should have a part 
in the training of youth who is satisfied with a lower 
standard. 

AN EFFECTIVE HELPER 

The true teacher will try by precept and example 
to win souls to Christ. He must receive the truth in 
the love of it, and let it cleanse his heart and mould 
his life. Every teacher should be under the full 
control of the Holy Spirit. Then Christ can speak 
to the heart, and His voice is the voice of love. 
And the love of God, received into the heart, is an 
active power for good, quickening and enlarging the 
mind and soul. With his own heart warm with di- 
vine love, the teacher will lift up the Man of Calvary, 
not to give the students a casual glimpse, but to fasten 
their attention until Jesus shall seem to them the 
"chief est among ten thousand," and the one ''alto- 
gether lovely." Cant 5:10, 16. 

The Holy Spirit is an effective helper in restoring 
the image of God in the human soul, but its efficiency 
and power have not been appreciated in our schools. 
It came into the schools of the prophets, bringing 
even the thoughts into harmony with the will of God. 
There was a living connection between heaven and 
these schools; and the joy and thanksgiving of lov- 



68 Counsels to Teachers 

iiig hearts found expression in songs of praise in 
which angels joined. 

The Holy Spirit comes to the world as Christ's 
representative. It not only speaks the truth, but it 
is the truth — the faithful and true Witness. It is 
the great Searcher of hearts, and is acquainted with 
the characters of all. 

The Holy Spirit has often come to our schools, and 
has not been recognized, but has been treated as a 
stranger, perhaps even as an intruder. Every teacher 
should know and welcome this heavenly Guest. If 
the teachers will open their own hearts to receive the 
Spirit, they will be prepared to co-operate with it in 
working for their students. And when it is given 
free course, it will effect wonderful transformations. 
It will work in each heart, correcting seltishness, 
moulding and refining the character, and bringing 
even the thoughts into captivity to Christ. 

The great aim of the teacher should be the per- 
fecting of Christian character in himself and in his 
students. Teachers, let your lamps be trimmed and 
burning, and they Avill not only be lights to your 
students, but will send out clear and distinct rays 
to the homes and neighborhoods where your students 
live, and far beyond into the moral darkness of the 
world. — '^Special Testimonies on Education,' ' pp. 
47-52; written May 15, 1896. 



-(•>- 



Our bretliron say the plea comes from ministers 
and parents that there are scores of young people in 
our ranks who need the advantages of our training- 
schools, but they cannot attend unless tuitions are 
lower. 



Tcavlu I's (1)1(1 T((icltlii(j ()}) 

Those who i)l('a(l lor low tuition should carorully 
weigh matters on all si(h's. It' students cannot of 
themselves connnand sufficient means to i)ay the ac- 
tual expense of good and faithful work in their edu- 
cation, is it not better that their parents, their 
friends, or the churches to which they belong, or 
large-hearted, benevolent brethren in their confer- 
ence, sliould assist them, than that a ])urden of debt 
should ])e brought upon the school? It w^ould be far 
better to let the many patrons of the institution share 
the expense, than for the school to run in debt. 

The churches in different localities should feel that 
a solemn responsibility rests upon them to train 
youth and educate talent to engage in missionary 
work. When they see those in the church who give 
promise of making useful workers, but who are not 
able to support themselves in the school, they should 
assume the responsibility of sending them to one of 
our training-schools. There is excellent ability in 
the churches that needs to be brought into service. 
There are persons who would do good service in the 
Lord's vineyard, but many are too poor to obtain 
without assistance the education that they require. 
The churches should feel it a privilege to take a part 
in defraying the expenses of such. 

Those who have the truth in their hearts are always 
open-hearted, helping where it is necessary. They 
lead out, and others imitate their example. If there 
are some who should have the l)enefit of the school, 
l)ut who cannot pay full price for their tuition, let 
the churches show their liberality by helping them. 

Besides this, in each conference a fund should be 
raised to lend to worthy poor students who desire 



70 Counsels to Teachers 

to give themselves to the missionary work; in some 
cases such students should even receive donations. 
When the Battle Creek College was first opened, 
there was a fund placed in the Review and Herald 
office for the benefit of those who wished to obtain 
an education, but had not the means. This was used 
by several students until they could get a good start ; 
then from their earnings they would replace what 
they had drawn, so that others might be benefited by 
the fund. 

Some provision should now be made for the main- 
tenance of such a fund to lend to poor but worthy 
students wlio desire to prepare themselves for mis- 
sionary work. The youth should have it plainly set 
before them that they must work their own way 
as far as possible, and thus partly defray their ex- 
penses. That which costs little will be appreciated 
little, but that which costs a price somewhere near 
its real value will be estimated accordingly. 



A teacher's advantages may have been limited, so 
that he does not possess as high literary qualifications 
as he might desire; yet if he has true insight into 
human nature, if he has an appreciation of the mag- 
nitude of his work, and a genuine love for it; if he 
has a willingness to labor earnestly and huinl)ly and 
perseveringly, he will comprehend the needs of his 
pupils, and by his sympathetic spirit will win their 
hearts and lead them onward and upward. His ef- 
forts will be so well directed that the school will 
become a living, growing power for good, full of the 
spirit of real advancement. 



The Aim of Our Scliooh 71 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



Our Children and Youth Test. Vol. 5, p. 11. 

Demand Our Care Test. Vol. 6, pp. 120-]81, 136- 

138, 213-218. 

The Primal Object of Ed., pp. 13-19. 

Education 



Character-Building Ed., pp. 225-229. 

Teachers and Teaching Ed., pp. 275-287. 

Test. Vol. 5, pp. 84-94. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 267-2i 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES 

"The Lord give thee iiiuler- 
standing in all things/' 

THE EIGHT EDUCATION 

It is the nicest Avork ever assumed by men and 
women to deal with youthful minds. The greatest 
i-are should be taken in the education of youth, to 
vary the manner of instruction so as to call forth 
the high and noble powers of the mind. Parents 
and school-teachers are certainly disqualified to edu- 
cate children properly, if they have not first learned 
the lessons of self-control, patience, forbearance, 
gentleness, and love. What an important position 
for parents, guardians, and teachers ! There are very 
few who realize the most essential wants of the mind, 
and how to direct the developing intellect, the groov- 
ing thoughts and feelings of youth. . , . 

INDIVIDUALITY IN CHILDREN 

The education of children, at home or at school, 
should not be like the training of dumb animals; for 
children have an intelligent will, which should be 
directed to control all their powers. Dumb animals 
need to be trained; for they have not reason and 
intellect. But the human mind must be taught self- 
control. It must be educated to rule the human be- 
ing, while animals are controlled by a master, and 
are trained to be submissive to him. The master is 
mind, judgment, and will for his beast. 

[73] 



74 Counsels to Teachers 

A child may be so trained as to have, like the beast, 
no will of his own. Even his individuality may be 
merged in the one who superintends his training; 
his will, to all intents and purposes, is subject to the 
will of the teacher. Children who are thus edu- 
cated will ever be deficient in moral energy and in- 
dividual responsibility. They have not been taught 
to move from reason and principle; their wills have 
been controlled by another, and the mind has not 
been called out, that it might expand and strengthen 
by exercise. They have not been directed and dis- 
ciplined with respect to their peculiar constitutions 
and capabilities of mind, to put fortli their strongest 
powers when required. 

Teachers should not stop hero, but should give 
special attention to the cultivation of the weaker 
faculties, that all the powers may be brought into ex- 
ercise, and carried forward from one degree of 
strength to another, that the mind may attain due 
proportions. 

CAUSE OP INSTABILITY IN YOUTH 

There are many families of children who appear to 
be well trained while under the training discipline; 
but when the system which has held them to set rules 
is broken up, they seem to be incapable of thinking, 
acting, or deciding for themselves. These children 
have been so long under iron rule, not allo^yed to 
think and act for themselves in those things in which 
it was highly proper that they should, that they have 
no confidence in themselves to move out upon their 
own judgment, having an opinion of their own. And 
when they go out from their parents to act for them- 



The night Education 75 

selves, they are easily led hy others' judmiicnt in tli(.' 
\vroii«5' direction. They have not stability of eharac- 
ter. They have not been thrown upon their own 
judgment as fast and as far as practicable, and 
therefore their minds iiave not been properly de- 
veloped and strengthened. They have been so long 
absolutely controlled by their parents that they rely 
wholly upon tliciii ; their parents are mind and judg- 
ment for them. 

On the other hand, the young should not be left 
to think and act independently of the judgment of 
their parents and teachers. Children should be 
taught to respect experienced judgment. They should 
be so educated that their minds will be united with 
the minds of their parents and teachers, and so in- 
structed that they can see the propriety of heeding 
their counsel. Then when they go forth from the 
guiding hand, their characters will not be like the 
reed trembling in the wind. . . . 

Those parents and teachers who boast of having 
complete control of the minds and wills of the chil- 
dren under their care, would cease their boastings 
could they trace out the future lives of the children 
who are thus brought into subjection by force or 
through fear. These are almost wholly unprepared 
to share in the stern responsibilities of life. When 
these youth are no longer under their parents and 
teachers, and are compelled to think and act for 
themselves, they are almost sure to take a wrong 
course, and yield to the power of temptation. They 
do not make this life a success, and the same defi- 
ciencies arc seen in their religious life. 



76 Counsels to Teachers 

Could the instructors of children and youth have 
the future result of their mistaken discipline mapped 
out before them, they would change their plan of 
education. . . . God never designed that one human 
mind should be under the complete control of an- 
other. And those who make efforts to have the in- 
dividuality of their pupils merged in themselves, to 
be mind, will, and conscience for them, assume fear- 
ful responsibilities. These scholars may, upon certain 
occasions, appear like well-drilled soldiers; but when 
the restraint is removed, there will be seen in them 
a want of independent action from firm principle. 

Those who make it their object so to educate their 
pupils that they ma}^ see and feel that the power lies 
in themselves to make men and women of firm prin- 
ciple, qualified for any position in life, are the most 
useful and permanently successful teachers. Their 
work may not show to the very best advantage to 
careless observers, and their labors may not be valued 
as highly as are those of the teacher who holds the 
minds and wills of his scholars by absolute authority; 
but the future lives of the pupils will show the fruits 
of the better plan of education. 

There is danger that both parents and teachers 
will command and dictate too much, while they fail 
to come sufficiently into social relation with their 
children or scholars. They often hold themselves 
too much reserved, and exercise their authority in 
a cold, unsympathizing manner, which cannot win 
the hearts of their children and pupils. If they 
would gather the children close to them, and show 
that they love them, and would manifest ^n interest 
in all their efforts, and even in their sports, some- 



The Biyhl Educalion 11 

times even being a eliikl among tliem, they would 
make the children very happy, and would gain their 
love and win their eontidenee. And the children 
would more quickly learn to respect and love the 
authority of their parents and teachers. 

PERSONAL QmUjIFICATIONS OF THE TEACHER 

The habits and principles of a teacher should be 
considered of even greater importance than his lit- 
erary (j[ualifications. If he is a sincere Christian, he 
will feel the necessity of having an equal interest 
in the physical, mental, moral, and spiritual educa- 
tion of his pupils. In order to exert the right in- 
fluence, he should have perfect control over himself, 
and his own heart should be richly imbued with love 
for his pupils, which will l)e seen in his looks, words, 
and acts. He should have firmness of character, and 
then he can mould the minds of his pupils, as well 
as instruct them in the sciences. 

The early education of youth generally shapes 
their characters for life. Those who deal with the 
young should be very careful to call out the quali- 
ties of the mind, that they may better know how to 
direct its p©wers so that they may be exercised to 
the very best account. 

CLOSE CONFINEMENT AT SCHOOL 

The system of education carried out for genera- 
tions back has been destructive to health, and even 
to life itself. Many young children have passed 
five hours each day in schoolrooms not properly ven- 
tilated, nor sufficiently large for the healthful ac- 
commodation of the scholars. The air of such rooms 



78 Counsels to Teachers 

soon becomes poison to the lungs that inhale it. 
Little children, whose limbs and muscles are not 
strong and whose brains are undeveloped, have been 
kept confined indoors to their injury. Many have 
but a slight hold on life to begin with, and the con- 
finement in school from day to day makes them 
nervous and diseased. Their bodies are dwarfed 
because of the exhausted condition of their nerves. 

And if the lamp of life goes out, the parents and 
teachers do not consider that they had any direct 
influence in quenching the vital spark. When stand- 
ing by the graves of their children, the afflicted 
parents look upon their bereavement as a special 
dispensation of Providence, when, by inexcusable ig- 
norance, it was their own course that destroyed the 
lives of their children. To charge their death to 
Providence is blasphemy. God wanted the little ones 
to live and be disciplined, that they might have beau- 
tiful characters, and glorify Him in this world and 
praise Him in the better w^rld. . . . 

To become acquainted with the wonderful human 
organism, the bones, muscles, stomach, liver, bowels, 
heart, and pores of the skin, and to understand the 
dependence of one organ upon another for the health- 
ful action of all, is a study in which most mothers 
take no interest. They know nothing of the influ- 
ence of the body upon the mind, or of the mind upon 
the body. The mind, which allies the finite to the 
Infinite, they do not seem to understand. Every 
organ of the body was made to be servant to the 
mind. The mind is the capital of the body. 

Children are allowed to eat flesh-meats, spices, 
butter, cheese, pork, rich pastry, and condiments 



The Right Education 79 

generally. They are also allowed to eat of unhealtli- 
I'ul food at irregular hours and between meals. These 
things do their work of deranging the stomach, ex- 
citing the nerves to unnatural action, and enfeebling 
the intellect. Parents do not realize that they are 
sowing the seed that will bring forth disease and 
death. 

Many children have been ruined for life by urging 
the intellect and neglecting to strengthen the physical 
powers. Many have died in childhood because of the 
course pursued by injudicious parents and school- 
teachers in forcing their young intellects, by flattery 
or fear, when they were too young to see the inside 
of a schoolroom. Their minds have been taxed with 
lessons when they sliculd not have been called out, 
but kept back until the physical constitution was 
strong enough to endure mental effort. Small chil- 
dren should be left as free as lambs to run out-of- 
doors, to be free and happy, and should be allowed 
the most favorable opportunities to lay the founda- 
tion for sound cons-titutions. 

THE IDEAL PLAN 

Parents should be the only teachers of their chil- 
dren until they have reached eight or ten years of 
age. As fast as their minds can comprehend it, the 
parents should open before them God's great book of 
nature. The mother should have less love for the 
artificial in her house and in the preparation of her 
dress for display, and should take time to cultivate, 
in herself and in her children, a love for the beau- 
tiful buds and opening flowers. By calling the at- 
tention of her children to the different colors and 



80 Counsels to Teachers 

variety of forms, she can make them acquainted with 
God, who made all the beautiful things which at- 
tract and delight them. She can lead their minds up 
to their Creator, and awaken in their young hearts 
a love for their heavenly Father, who has manifested 
so great love for them. Parents can associate God 
with all His created works. 

Tlic only schoolroom for children until eight or ten 
years of age should be in the open air, amid the 
opening flowers and nature's beautiful scenery, and 
their most familiar text-book the treasures of nature. 
These lessons, imprinted upon the minds of young 
children amid the pleasant, attractive scenes of na- 
ture, will not be soon forgotten. . . . 

In the early education of children, many parents 
and teachers fail to understand that the greatest at- 
tention needs to be given to the physical constitu- 
tion, that a healthy condition of body and mind may 
be secured. It has been the custom to encourage 
children to attend school when they Avere mere babies 
needing a mother's care. When of a delicate age, 
they are frequently crowded into ill-ventilated school- 
rooms, where they sit in wrong positions upon poorly 
constructed benches, and as a result the young and 
tender frames of some have become deformed. 

The disposition and habits of youth will be very 
likel}^ to be manifested in mature manhood. You 
may bend a young tree into almost any shape that 
you choose, and if it remains and grows as you have 
bent it, it will be a deformed tree, and will ever tell 
of the injury and abuse received at your hands. 
You may, after it has had years of growth, try to 



The Right Education 81 

straighten the tree, but all efforts will prove un- 
availing. It will ever be a crooked tree. 

This is the case with the minds of youth. They 
should be carefully and tenderly trained in child- 
hood. They may be trained in the right direction or 
in the wrong, and in their future lives they will 
pursue the course in which they were directed in 
youth. The habits formed in youth will grow with 
the growth and strengthen with the strength. . . . 

PHYSlCy. DEGENERACY 

Man came from the lumd of his Creator perfect 
and beautiful in form, and so filled with vital force 
that it was more than a thousand years before his 
corrupt appetites and passions and general viola- 
tions of physical law were sensibly felt upon the 
race. More recent generations have felt the pressure 
of infirmity and disease more rapidly and heavily 
with every generation. The vital forces have been 
greatly w^eakened by the indulgence of appetite and 
lustful passion. . . . The violation of physical law, 
and the consequence, — human suffering, — have so 
long prevailed that men and women look upon the 
present state of sickness, suffering, debility, and pre- 
mature death as the appointed lot of humanity. . . . 

The strange absence of principle which charac- 
terizes this generation, and which is shown in their 
disregard of the laws of life and health, is astonish- 
ing. . . . With the majority the principal anxiety 
is, What shall I eat? what shall I drink? and where- 
withal shall I be clothed? . . . The moral powers 
are weakened, because men and women will not live 
in obedience to the laws of health, and make this 

6 — Counsels 



82 Counsels to Teachers 

great subject a personal duty. . . . The majority 
. . . remain in ignorance of the laws of their being, 
and indulge appetite and passion at the expense of 
intellect and morals; and they seem willing to remain 
ill ignorance of the result of their violation of na- 
ture's laws. They indulge the depraved appetite in 
the use of slow poisons, which corrupt the blood and 
undermine the nervous force, and in consequence 
bring upon themselves sickness and death. . . . 

IMPORTANCE OF HOME TRAINING 

One great cause of the existing deplorable stnlc of 
things is that parents do not feel under obligation 
to b]'ing up their children to conform to physical 
hiw. Mothers love their children ^\itll an idolatrous 
love, and indulge their ap])e1itc wlien they know lliat 
it will injure their health, and thereby bring upon 
them disease and unhappiness. This cruel kindness 
is manifested to a great extent in the present gen- 
eration. The desires of children are gratified at the 
expense of health and happy tempers, because it is 
easier for the mother, for the time being, to gratify 
them than to withhold that for which they clamor. 
Thus mothers are sowing the seed that will spring 
up and bear fruit. 

The children are not educated to deny their ap- 
petites and restrict their desires, and they become 
selfish, exacting, disobedient, unthankful, unholy. 
]\Iothers who are doing this work will reap with bit- 
terness the fruit of the seed they have sown. They 
have sinned against Heaven and against their chil- 
dren, and God will hold them accountable. 



The Right Education 83 

Had education for generations back been con- 
ducted upon an altogether different plan, the youth 
of this generation would not now be so depraved 
and worthless. The managers and teachers of 
schools should have been those who understood 
physiology, and who had an interest, not only to 
educate the youth in the sciences, but to teach them 
how to preserve health, so that they might use their 
knowledge to the best account after they had ob- 
tained it. . . . 

REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND AMUSEMENT 

In order for children and youth to have health, 
cheerfulness, vivacity, and well-developed muscles 
and brains, they should be- much in the open air, 
and have well-regulated employment and amusement. 
Children and youth who are kept at school and 
confined to books, cannot have sound physical con- 
stitutions. The exercise of the brain in study, with- 
out corresponding physical exercise, has a tendency 
to attract the blood to the brain, and the circulation 
of the blood through the system becomes unbalanced. 
The brain has too much blood, and the extremities 
too little. There should be rules regulating the 
studies of children and youth to certain hours, and 
then a portion of their time should be spent in 
physical labor. And if their habits of eating, dress- 
ing, and sleeping are in accordance with physical 
law, they can obtain an education without sacri- 
ficing physical and mental health. ... 

There should have been connected with the schools, 
establishments for carrying on various branches of 
labor, that the students might have employment and 



84 Counsels to Teachers 

the necessary exercise out of school hours. The 
students' employment and amusements should have 
been regulated with reference to physical law, and 
should have been adapted to preserve to them the 
healthy tone of all the powers of body and mind. 
Then a practical knowledge of business could have 
been obtained while their literary education was be- 
ing gained. 

Students at school should have had their moral 
sensibilities aroused to see and feel that society has 
claims upon them, and that they should live in obedi- 
ence to natural law, so that they can, by their exist- 
ence and influence, by precept and example, be an 
advantage and blessing to society. It should be im- 
pressed upon the youth that all have an influence 
that is constantly telling upon society, to improve 
and elevate, or to lower and debase. The flrst study 
of the young should be to know themselves, and how 
to keep their bodies in health. 

RESULT OF CONTINUED APPLICATION 

Many parents keep their children at s(;hool nearly 
the year round. These children go through the rou- 
tine of study mechanically, but do not retain that 
which they learn. Many of these constant students 
seem almost destitute of intellectual life. The mo- 
notony of continual study wearies the mind, and they 
take but little interest in their lessons; and to many 
the application to books becomes painful. They have 
not an inward love of thought, and an ambition to 
acquire knowledge. They do not encourage in them- 
selves habits of reflection and investigation. 

Children are in great need of proper education, 
in order that they may be of use in the world. But 



The Right Edv cation 85 

auy effort that exalts intellectual culture al)ove moral 
training, is misdirected. Instructing, cultivating, 
polishing, and refining the youth and children, should 
be the main burden of both parents and teachers. 
Close reasoners and logical thinkers are few, for the 
reason that false influences have checked the devel- 
opment of the intellect. The supposition of parents 
and teachers that continual study would strengthen 
the intellect, has proved erroneous ; for in many cases 
it has had the opposite effect. . . . 

We are living in an age when almost everything is 
superficial. There is but little stability and firmness 
of character, because the training and education of 
children from their cradle is superficial. Their char- 
acters are built upon sliding sand. Self-denial and 
self-control have not been moulded into their char- 
acters. They have been petted and indulged until 
they are spoiled for practical life. . . . 

Children should be so trained and educated that 
they Avill expect temptations, and calculate to meet 
difficulties and dangers. They should be taught to 
have control over themselves, and nobly to overcome 
difficulties: and if they do not wilfully rush into 
danger, and needlessly place themselves in the way 
of temptation, if they shun evil influences and vi- 
cious society, and then are unavoidably compelled 
to be in dangerous company, they will have sti*engtli 
of character to stand for the right and to preserve 
principle, and will come forth in the strength of God 
with their morals untainted. If youth who have been 
properly educated make God their trust, their moral 
powers will stand the most powerful test. — ^^Testi- 
monies for the Church,' ' Vol. HI, pp. 131-lM. 



OUR COLLEGE 

There is danger that our college will be turned 
away from its original design. God's purpose has 
been made known, — that our people should have an 
opportunity to study the sciences, and at the same 
time to learn the requirements of Ilis word. Biblical 
lectures should be given; the study of the Scriptures 
sliould have the first place in our system of education. 

Students are sent from great distances to attend the 
c.ullege at Battle Creek, for the very purpose of re- 
ceiving instruction from the lectures on Bible sub- 
jects. But for one or two years past, there lias been 
an effort to mould our school after other colleges. 
When this is done, we can give no encouragement to 
parents to send their children to Battle Creek College. 

The moral and religious influences should not be 
put in the background. In times past, God has 
worked with the efforts of the teachers, and many 
souls have seen the truth and embraced it, and have 
gone to their homes to live henceforth for God, as 
the result of their connection with the college. As 
they saw that Bible study was made a part of their 
education, they were led to regard it as a matter of 
greater interest and importance. 

EDUCATION OF YOUNG MEN FOR THE MINISTRY 

Too little attention has been given to the educa- 
tion of young men for the ministry. This was the 
primary object to be secured in the establishment 
of the college. In no case should this be ignored or 
[86] 



Ovr College 87 

regarded as a matter of secondary importance. For 
several 3'ears, however, but few have gone forth from 
tliat institution prepared to teach the truth to others. 

Some who came at great expense, with the min- 
istry in view, have been encouraged by the teachers 
to take a thorough course of study, which would oc- 
cupy a number of years, and in order to obtain meags 
to carry out these plans, have entered the canvassing 
Held, and given up all thought of preaching. This is 
entirely wrong. We have not many years in which 
to work, and teachers and principal should be imbued 
witli the Spirit of God, and work in harmony with 
His revealed will, instead of carrying out their own 
plans. We are losing much every year ])ecause we do 
nut heed what God lias said upon these points. 

Our college is designed of God to meet the advanc- 
ing wants for this time of peril and demoralization. 
The study of books only, cannot give students the 
discipline they need. A broader foundation must 
be laid. The college was not brought into existence 
to bear the stamp of any one man's mind. Teachers 
and principal should work together as brethren. 
They should consult together, and also counsel with 
ministers and responsible men, and above all else, 
seek wisdom from above, that all their decisions in 
reference to the school may be such as will be ap- 
proved of God. ... 

A more comprehensive education is needed, — an 
education which will demand from teachers an^ prin- 
cipal such thought and effort as mere instruction in 
the sciences does not require. The character must re- 
ceive proper discipline for its fullest and noblest de- 
velopment. • The students should receive at college 



88 Counsels to Teachers 

such training as will enable them to maintain a re- 
spectable, honest, virtuous standing in society, against 
the demoralizing influences which are corrupting the 
youth. 

It would be well could there be connected with our 
college, land for cultivation, and also workshops, 
lyjider the charge of men competent to instruct the 
students in the various departments of physical labor. 
Much is lost by a neijiect to unite physical with men- 
tal taxation. The leisure hours of the students are 
often occupied with frivolous pleasures, which weaken 
])hysical, mental, and moral powers. Under the de- 
basing power of sensual indulgence, or the untimely 
excitement of courtship and marriage, many students 
fail to reach that height of mental development 
which they might otherwise have attained. . . . 

BIBLE STUDY 

If morality and religion are to live in a school, it 
must be through a knowledge of God's word. Some 
may urge that if religious teaching is to be made 
prominent, our school will liecome unpopular; that 
those who are not of our faith will not patronize the 
college. Very well, then let them go to other col- 
leges, where they will find a system of education tliat 
suits their taste. Our school was established, not 
jiieivly to teach tlie sciences, but for the purpose of 
giving instruction in the great principles of God's 
word, and in the practical duties of every-day life. 
This is the education so much needed at the present 
time. 

If a worldly influence is to bear sway in our school, 
then sell it out to worldlings, and let them take the 



Our College 80 

entire control; and tliose who have invested their 
means in that institution will establish another school, 
to be conducted, not upon the plan of popular schools 
nor according to the desires of principal and teachers, 
but upon the plan which God has specified. 

In the name of my ^Master I entreat all who stand 
in responsible positions in that school, to be men of 
God. When the Lord requires us to be distinct and 
peculiar, how can we crave popularity, or seek to 
imitate the customs and practices of the w^orld 1 God 
has declared His purpose to have one college in the 
land where the Bi])le shall have its proper place in 
the education of the youth. Will we do our part to 
carry out that purpose? ... 

Through the medinm of the press, knowledge of 
every kind is placed wdthin the reach of all; and yet 
how large a share of every community are depraved 
in morals and superficial in mental attainments. If 
the people would but become Bible readers, Bible 
students, we should see a different state of things. 

In an age like ours, in which iniquity abounds, and 
God's character and His law are alike regarded wdth 
contempt, special care must be taken to teach the 
youth to study, to reverence and obey the divine will 
as revealed to man. The fear of the Lord is fading 
from the minds of our youth, because of their neglect 
ot* Bible study. 

Principal and teachers should have a living connec- 
tion with God, and should stand firmly and fearlessly 
as witnesses for Him. Never from cowardice or 
worldly policy let the word of God be placed in the 
background. Students wull be profited intellectually, 
as well as morally and spiritually, by its study. . . . 



90 Counsels to Teachers 



There is a work to be done for every teacher in onr 
college. Not one is free from selfishness. If the 
moral and religions character of the teachers were 
what it should be, a better influence would be exerted 
upon the .students. The teachers do not seek in- 
dividually to perform their own work with an eye 
single to the glory of God. Instead of looking to 
Jesus and copying His life and character, they look 
to self, and aim too much to meet a human standard. 

I wish I could impress upon every teacher a full 
sense of his responsibility for the influence whicli 
he exerts upon the young. Satan is untiring in his 
efforts to secure the service of our youtli.- With 
great cai-e he is laying his snare for the inexperienced 
feet. The people of (Jod should jejdously guard 
against his devices. 

God is the embodiment of benevolence, mercy, and 
love. Those who are truly connected with Him can- 
not be at variance with one another. His Spirit 
ruling in the heart will create harmon}^ love, and 
unity. The opposite of this is seen among the chil- 
dren of Satan. It is his work to stir up envy, strife, 
and jealousy. In the name of my Master I ask the 
professed followers of Christ, What fruit do yoL 
bear ? 

In the system of instruction used in the common 
schools, the most essential part of education is neg- 
lected, — the religion of the Bible. Education not 
only affects to a great degree the life of the student 
in this world, but its influence extends to eternity. 
How important, then, that the teachers be persons 



Our College 91 

capable of exerting a right influence! They should 
be nieu and women of religious experience, daily re- 
ceiving divine light to impart* to their pupils. 

THE PARENTS^ PART 

But the teacher should not he expected ta do the 
parents' work. There has been, with many parents, 
a fearful neglect of duty. Like Eli, they fail to exer- 
cise proper restraint; and then they send their un- 
disciplined children to college, to receive the training 
which the parents should have given them at home. 

The teachers have a task which few appreciate. 
If they succeed in reforming these wayward youth, 
tlie}^ receive but little credit. If the youth choose the 
society of the evil-disposed, and go on from bad to 
worse, then the teachers are censured and the school 
is denounced. In many cases the censure justly be- 
longs to the parents. They had the first and most 
favorable opportunity to control and train their chil- 
dren, when the spirit was teachable, and the mind 
and heart were easily impressed. But through the 
slothfulness of the parents, the children are permitted 
to follow their own will, until they become hardened 
in an evil course. 

Let parents study less of the world, and more of 
Christ; let them put forth less effort to imitate the 
customs and fashions of the world, and devote more 
time and effort to moulding the minds and characters 
of their children according to the divine Model. Then 
they could send forth their sons and daughters forti- 
fied by pure morals and a noble purpose, to receive 
an education for positions of usefulness and trust. 
Teachers Avho are controlled by the love and fear of 



92 Counsels to Teachers 

God, could lead such youth still onward and upward, 
training them to be a blessing to the world and an 
honor to their Creator. 

Connected with God, every instructor will exert 
an influence to lead his pupils to study God's word 
and obey His law. He will direct their minds to the 
contemplation of eternal interests, opening before 
them vast fields for thought, grand and ennobling 
themes, which the most vigorous intellect may put 
forth all its powers to grasp, and yet feel that there 
is an infinity beyond. 

THE NEED OF COUNSELING TOGETHER 

The evils of self-esteem and an unsanctified inde- 
pendence, which most impair our usefulness, and 
which will prove our ruin if not overcome, spring 
from selfishness. "Counsel together," is the message 
which has been again and again repeated to me by 
the angel of God. By influencing one man's judg- 
ment, Satan may endeavor to control matters to suit 
himself. He may succeed in misleading the minds 
of two persons; but when several consult together, 
there is more safety. Kvciy plnu will be more closely 
criticized, every advance move moi'e carefully studied. 
Hence there will be less danger of i)recipitate, ill- 
advised moves, which would hi'iug confusion and 
per])lexity. In union there is strength; in division 
there is weakness and defeat. 

God is leading out a people, and preparing them 
for translation. Are we, who are acting a part in 
this work, standing as sentinels for God? Are we 
seeking to work unitedly ? Are we willing to become 



Our College 93 

servants of all'/ Are we following our great Ex- 
emplar ; 

Fellow-laborers, we are eaeli sowing seed in the 
fields of life. As is the seed, so will he the harvest. 
If we sow distrust, envy, jealousy, self-love, bitter- 
ness of thought and feeling, we shall reap bitterness 
to our own souls. If we manifest kindness, love, 
tender thought for the feelings of others, we shall 
receive the same in return. 

CHRISTIAN COURTESY 

The teacher who is severe, critical, overbearing, 
heedless of others' feelings, must expect the same 
spirit to be manifested toward himself. He ^\\\o 
wishes to preserve his own dignity and self-respect, 
must be careful not to wound needlessly the self- 
respect of others. This rule should be sacredly ob- 
served toward the dullest, the youngest, the most 
blundering students. What God intends to do with 
these apparently uninteresting youth, you do not 
know. lie has, in the past, accepted persons no more 
promising or attractive, to do a great w^ork for Him. 
His Spirit, moving upon the heart, has aroused every 
faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in those 
rough, unhewn stones, i)reeious material, that would 
stand the test of storm and heat and ])ressuro. God 
sees not as juan sees. He .iudges not from appear- 
ance, but He searches the lu^art and judges right- 
eously. 

The teacher should ever conduct himself as a Chris- 
tian gentleman. He should stand in the attitude of 
a friend and counselor to his pupils. If all our people 
• — teachers, ministers, and lay mem]:)ers — would cul- 



94 Counsels to Teachers 

tivate the spirit of Christian courtes}^ they ^vouid far 
more readily find access to the hearts of the people; 
many more would be led to examine and receive the 
truth. When every teacher shall forget self, and feel 
a deep interest in the success and prosperity of his 
pupils, realizing that they are God's property, and 
that he must render an account for his influence 
upon their minds and characters, then we shall have 
a school in which angels Avill love to linger. Jesus 
will look approvingly upon the work of the teachers, 
and will send His grace into the hearts of the 
students. . . . 

THE TRUE TEST OF PROSPERITY 

If you lower the standard in order to secure popu- 
larity and an increase of numbers, and then make 
this increase a cause of rejoicing, j^ou show great 
blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, 
Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for, in this 
world, his followers are largely in the majority. It 
is the degree of moral power pervading the college, 
that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, in- 
telligence, and piety of the people composing our 
churches, not their numbers, that should be a source 
of joy and thankfulness. 

Without the influence of divine grace, education 
will prove no real advantage; the learner becomes 
proud, vain, and bigoted. But that education which 
is received under the ennobling, refining influence of 
the great Teacher, will elevate man in the scale of 
moral value with God. It will enable him to subdue 
pride and passion, and to walk humbly before God, 
as dependent upon Him for every capability, every 
opportunity, and every privilege. 



Our College 95 

I speak to the workers in our college : You must not 
only profess to be Christians, but you must exem- 
plify the character of Christ. Let the wisdom from 
above pervade all your instruction. In a world of 
moral darkness and corruption, let it be seen that 
the spirit by which you are moved to action is from 
above, not from beneath. While you rely wholly 
upon your own strength and wisdom, your best ef- 
forts will accomplish little. If you are prompted by 
love to God, His law being your foundation, your 
work will be enduring. While the hay, wood, and 
stubble are consumed, your work will stand the test. 

The youth placed under your care you must meet 
again around the great white throne. If you permit 
your laicultivated manners or uncontrolled tempers 
1() beai' sway, and thus fail to influence these yuiilli 
for their eternal good, you must, at that day, meet 
the grave consequences of your work. By a knowl- 
edge of the divine laAV and obedience to its precepts, 
men may become the sons of God. By violation of 
that law, they become servants of Satan. On the 
one hand, they may rise to any height of moral ex- 
cellence; or on the other hand, they may descend to 
any depth of iniquity and degradation. The work- 
ers in our college should manifest a zeal and ear- 
nestness proportionate to the value of the prize at 
stake, — the souls of their students, the approval of 
God, eternal life, and the joys of the redeemed. 

As co-laborers with Christ, with so favorable op 
portunities to impart the knowledge ^ of God, oux- 
teachers should labor as if inspired from above. The 
hearts of the youth are not hardened, nor their ideas 
and opinions stereotyped, as are those of older per- 



96 Counsels to Teachers 

sons. They may be won to Christ by your holy 
demeanor, your devotion, your Christlike walk. It 
would be much better to crowd them less in the study 
of the sciences, and give them more time for religious 
privileges. Here a grave mistake has been made. . . . 

god's purpose for the college 

No limit can be set to our influence. One thought- 
less act may prove the ruin of many souls. The 
course of every worker in our college is making im- 
j)ressions upon the minds of tlie j^oung, and these are 
borne away to be reproduced in others. It should be 
the teacher's aim to prepare every youth under his 
care to be a blessing to the world. This ol)ject should 
never be lost sight of. There are some who profess 
to be working for Christ, yet who occasionally go over 
to the side of Satan and do his work. Can the 
Saviour pronounce these good and faithful serv- 
ants? Are they, as watchmen, giving tlie trumpet a 
certain sound? . . . 

Our Saviour bids us, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye 
enter into temptation." Mark 14:38. If we en- 
counter difficulties, and in Christ's strength overcome 
them; if we meet enemies, and in Christ's strength 
put them to flight; if we accept responsibilities, and in 
Christ's strength discharge them faithfully, we are 
gaining a precious experience. We learn, as we could 
not otherwise have learned, that our Saviour is a 
present help in every time of need. 

There is a great w^ork to be done in our college, 
a work which demands the co-operation of every 
teacher; and it is displeasing to God for one to dis- 
courage another. But nearly all seem to forget that 



Our Colltyt: 97 

Satan is au accuser of the brethren, and they unite 
with the enemy in his work. While professed Chris- 
tians are contending, Satan is laying his snares for 
the inexperienced feet of children and youth. Those 
who have had a religious experience should seek to 
shield the young from his devices. They should never 
forget that they themselves were once enchanted with 
the pleasures of sin. We need the mercy and for- 
bearance of God every hour, and how unbecoming for 
us to be impatient with the errors of the inexperi- 
enced youth! So long as God bears with them, dare 
we, fellow-sinners, cast them off? 

We should ever look upon the youth as the purchase 
of the blood of Christ. As such they have demands 
upon our love, our patience, our sympathy. If we 
would follow Jesus, we cannot restrict our interest 
and affection to ourselves and our own families; we 
cannot give our time and attention to temporal mat- 
ters, and forget the eternal interests of those around 
us. . . . "Love one another, as I have loved you" 
(John 15 : 12) , is the command of Jesus. Look at His 
self-denial; behold the manner of love He has be- 
stowed upon us; and then seek to imitate the Pattern. 
— ''Testimomes for the Church,'' Vol. Y, pp. 21-35; 
read in College Ball, Decemler, 1881. 



If we ever know the truth, it will be because we 
practise it. We must have a living experience in 
the things of God before we are able to understand 
His word. This experimental knowledge is what 
strengthens the intellect, and builds us up into Christ 
our living Head. 

7 — Counsels 



DEPORTMENT OF STUDENTS 

Those students who profess to love God and obey 
the truth should possess that degree of self-control 
and strength of religious principle that will enable 
them to remain unmoved amid temptations, and to 
stand up for Jesus in the college, at their boarding 
houses, or wherever they may be. Religion is not 
to be worn merely as a cloak in the house of God; 
religious principles should characterize the entire life. 
Those who are drinking at the fountain of life will 
not, like the worldling, manifest a longing desire for 
change and pleasure. In their deportment and char- 
acter will be seen the rest and peace and happiness 
that they have found in Jesus by daily laying their 
perplexities and burdens at His feet. They will 
show that in the path of obedience and duty there is 
contentment and even joy. Such ones will exert an 
influence over their fellow-students which will tell 
upon the entire school. 

Those who compose this faithful army will refresh 
and strengthen the teachers by discouraging every 
species of unfaithfulness, of discord, and of neglect 
to comply with the rules and regulations. Their in- 
fluence will be saving, and their works will not perish 
in the great day of God, but will follow them into 
the future world; and the influence of their life here 
will tell throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. 

One earnest, conscientious, faithful young man in 
a school is an inestimable treasure. Angels of heaven 
look lovingly upon him, and in the ledger of heaven 

[98j 



Deportment of Students 99 

is recorded every work uf righteousness, every temp- 
tation resisted, every evil overcome. He is laying up 
a good foundation against the time to come, that he 
may lay hold on eternal life. 

Upon Christian youth depend in a great measure 
the preservation and perpetuity of the institutions 
which God has devised as a means by which to ad- 
vance His work. Never was there a period when 
results so important depended upon a generation of 
men. Then how important that the young should 
be qualified for this great work, that God may use 
them as His instruments ! Their Maker has claims 
upon them which are paramount to all others. 

It is God who has given life, and every physical 
and mental endowanent that the youth possess. He 
has bestowed upon them capabilities for wise im- 
provement, that they may do a work which will be 
as enduring as eternity. In return for His great 
gifts. He claims a due cultivation and exercise of 
the intellectual and moral faculties. He did not 
give them these faculties merely for their amusement, 
or to be abused in working against His wdll and His 
providence, but to advance the knowledge of truth 
and holiness in the world. In return for His con- 
tinued kindness and infinite mercies, He claims their 
goodness, their veneration, their love. He justly re- 
quires obedience to His laws, and to all wise regu- 
lations which will restrain and guard the youth from 
Satan's devices, and lead them in paths of peace. 

The wild, reckless character of many of the youth 
in this age of the w^orld is heart-sickening. If the 
youth could see that in complying with the laws and 
regulations of our institutions, they are only doing 



100 Counsels to Teachers 

that which will improve their standing in society, 
elevate the character, ennoble the mind, and in- 
crease their happiness, they would not rebel against 
just rules and wholesome requirements, nor engage 
in creating suspicion and prejudice against these in- 
stitutions. 

With energy and fidelity our youth should meet 
the demands upon them; and this will be a guaran- 
tee of success. Young men who have never made a 
success in the temporal duties of life will be equally 
unprepared to engage in the higher duties. A re- 
ligious experience is gained only through conflict, 
through disappointment, through severe discipline of 
self, through earnest prayer. The steps to heaven 
must be taken one at a time; and every advance 
step gives strength for the next. 

ASSOCIATION WITH OTHERS 

While at school, students should not allow their 
minds to become confused by thoughts of courtship. 
They are there to gain a fitness to work for God, 
and this thought is ever to be uppermost. Let all 
students take as broad a view as possible of their 
ol)ligations to God. Let them study earnestly how 
they can do practical work for the Master during 
their student life. Let them refuse to burden the 
souls of their teachers by showing a spirit of levity 
and a careless disregard of rules. 

Students can do much to make the school a suc- 
cess by working with their teachers to help other 
students, and by zealously endeavoring to lift them- 
selves above cheap, low standards. Those who co- 
operate with Christ will become refined in speech 
and in temper. They will not be unruly and self- 



Dr[H>r(ni( III of SI iidcnls- 101 

caring, studying their own selfish pleasure and grati- 
fication. They will bend all their efforts to work 
with Christ as messengers of His mercy and love. 
They are one with Ilim in spirit and in action. 
They seek to store the mind with the precious treas- 
ures of God's word, that eacli may do liis appointed 
work. 

In all our dealings with students, age and char- 
acter must l)e taken into account. We cannot treat 
the young and the old just alike. There are cir- 
cumstances under which men and women of sound 
experience and good standing may be granted some 
privileges not given to the younger students. The 
age, the conditions, and the turn of mind must be 
taken into consideration. We must be wisely con- 
siderate in all our work. But we luust not lessen 
our firmness and vigilance in dealing Avith students 
of all ages, nor our strictness in forbidding the 
unprofitable and unwise association of young and 
immature students. 

In our schools in Battle Creek, Healdsburg, and 
Cooranbong, I have borne a straight testimony con- 
cerning these matters. There were those who thought 
the restraint too severe; liut we told them plainly 
what could l)e and what could not be, showing them 
that our schools are established at great expense for 
a definite purpose, and that all which would hinder 
the accomplishment of this purpose must be put away. 

Again and again I stood before the students in the 
Avondale school wdth messages from the Lord re- 
garding the deleterious influence of free and easy 
association betw-een young men and young women. 
I told them that if they did not keep themselves to 



102 . Counseh to Teachers 

Iheiiiselves, and endeavor to make the most of their 
time, the school would not benefit them, and those 
who were paying their expenses would be disap- 
pointed. I told them that if they were determined 
to have their own will and their own way, it would 
be better for them to return to their homes and to 
the guardianship of their parents. This they could 
do at any time, if they decided not to stand under 
the yoke of obedience ; for we did not design to have 
a few leading spirits in wrong-doing demoralizing 
the other students. 

I told the principal and teachers that God had laid 
upon them the responsibility of watching for souls 
as they that must give account. I showed them that 
the wrong course pursued by some of the students 
would mislead other students, if it were continued, 
and for this God would hold the teachers responsible. 
Some students would attend school who had not been 
disciplined at home, and whose ideas of proper edu- 
cation and its value were perverted. If these were 
allowed to carry things in their way, the object for 
which the school was established would be defeated, 
and the sin would be charged against the guardians 
of the school, as if they had committed it themselves. 

God holds every one responsible for the influence 
that surrounds his soul, on his own account and on 
the account of others. He calls upon young men and 
women to be strictly temperate, and conscientious in 
the use of their faculties of mind and body. Their 
capabilities can be properly developed only by the 
most diligent use of their opportunities and the wise 
appropriation of their powers to the glory of God 
and the benefit of their fellow-men. 



Deportment of Students 103 

To know whcit constitutes i)ui'ily of mind, soul, 
and body, is an important part of education. Paul 
summed up the attainments possible for Timothy by 
saying, "Keep thyself pure." 1 Tim. 5:22. Im- 
purity of thought, word, or action will not be in- 
dulged ])y the child of God. Every encouragement 
and the richest blessings are held up before the over- 
comers of evil practices, but the most fearful pen- 
alties are laid upon those who profane the body and 
defile the soul. 

Teachers, blessed are the pure in heart — noio; 
not, Blessed will be the pure in heart. "Blessed are 
the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matt. 
5 : 8. Yes, as did Moses, they shall endure the see- 
ing of Him who is invisible. They have the assur- 
ance of the richest blessings, both in this life and 
in the life that is to come. 

Students, if yon will watch and pray, and make 
earnest efforts in the right direction, you will be 
thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Christ. "Put 
ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision 
for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." Rom. 13 : 14. 
Be determined that you will make the school a suc- 
cess. If you will heed the instruction given in the 
word of God, you may go forth with a development 
of intellectual and moral power that will cause even 
angels to rejoice, and God will ,joy over yon with 
singing. Under such discipline you wdll secure the 
fullest development of your faculties. Let not the 
buoyancy and the lust of youth through manifold 
temptations make your day of opportunity and 
privilege a failure. Day by day put on Christ; 
and in the brief season of your test and trial here 



lOl Coiiiisrls to T(<i(lnrs 

l)('l<)\\, iiKiiiihiin your (li-^nily jii Uic strcii^tli oL" (jod, 
;is CO \\()i-l<<'cs \\'i\\\ llic lii^licsl n^(!n('.i('s of heaven. 



■^5)—- 



ll is llic |n-i\il('^(' ol" llic fjiilhriil Icjiclicr Jo rcnj) 
(hiy \>y (l;iy llic xisihlc results ol" liis |»;iliriil, perse 
N'eriiij^' l;il)or ol" loxc ll is liis to \\;ileli the growth 
of tlie tender |»l;nits ;is they hud, ;iiid hlossoiii, ;nid 
he;ir the rriiil oi' order, |)iinel ii;d ity, I'Mil h I idliess, 
Ihorouj^lmess, ;md trin; iiohililN' of eh;ir;iet('r. It is 
his to see ;i lo\c lor tr-utli ;iiid ri^hl Mrovvin^ Jirid 
st j'(!ir«^t lieriin;.' in lliese ehildreii ;ind yoiMli tor wlioiii 
he is held resporisihlc. Wlwit e;m ^i\e him ^j-ejdei- 
returns tluin to see his pupils de\'elopin^ eli;ir';ie 
Icr.s 1li;il will nud<e Ihcni iiohle and usel'ul iticti and 
woiiien, filti'd to oeeu|»y positions of responsihility 
and trust, men and women who in the future will 
wield a power to hold in elieck evil inMueriees, and 
liel[) in dis|)ellin}^'^ the moral darkness of llie world'/ 

As the leaeher awakens in the minds of his pupils 
a I'eaii/.alion of IIk! possihilil ies hefore them, as he 
eauses Ihem to ^r-asp the trulli that lliey may Ixm'Ouk* 
useful, nohle, trustworthy men and women, he sets 
in motion waves of iiilliiene*^ lluit, even aflei- Ik* him 
self has ^oiK^ to rc^sl, will r(!ae}i onwar'd and evei- 
onward, ^ivin^ joy to the; soi'rowin*^, and inspiring 
hop(! in the diseouraj^cd. As he lights in their minds 
and hearts the lamp of (^arrjesl endc^avor, h<' is ro- 
wai'ded hy seeirij^ its hri^^ht rays diver^'c; in every di- 
i'(Md,ion, illuminating^ not, only tin; lives of Iho lew 
who daily sit hel'orc! him for instruction, hut thronj^di 
Ihem the liv<;s of tnany otlH;rs, 



(Jt in i(il I'l iti(tj)li s 



106 



<M)K KrUTIiKK STUDY 



TiiK liidiir Kdhcation 
( )iK ( 'oi.i.m;!-: 



'iv.st. Vol. 3, pp. I'M \:\r). 

TcHt. Vol. 4, pp. 41h 449. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. II -If), 2\ M) 

59-61. 
Tost. Vol. (), pp. 141 l;')!. 



THE HOME SCHOOL 



'They shall live with their 
children. ' ' 



THE CHILD'S FIRST SCHOOL 

In His wisdom the Lord has decreed that the fam- 
ily shall be the greatest of all educational agencies. 
It is in the home that the education of the child is to 
begin. Here is his first school. Here, with his par- 
ents as instructors, he is to learn the lessons that are 
to guide him throughout life, — lessons of respect, 
obedience, reverence, self-control. The educational 
influences of the home are a decided power for good 
or for evil. They are in many respects silent and 
gradual, but if exerted on the right side, they be- 
come a far-reaching power for truth and righteous- 
ness. If the child is not instructed aright here, Satan 
will educate him through agencies of his choosing. 
How important, then, is the school in the home! 

In the home school — the first grade — the very 
best talent should be utilized. Upon all parents there 
rests the obligation of giving physical, mental, and 
spiritual instruction. It should be the object of 
every parent to secure to his child a well-balanced, 
symmetrical character. This is a work of no small 
magnitude and importance, — a work requiring ear- 
nest thought and prayer no less than patient, perse- 
vering effort. A right foundation must be laid, a 
framework, strong and firm, erected, and then day by 

[107] 



]08 Counseh to Teachcr,<i 

day the work of building, polishing, perfecting, must 
go forward. 

Children may be trained for the service of sin 
or for the service of righteousness. Solomon says, 
"Train up a child in the way he should go : and when 
he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6. 
Tliis language is positive. The training that Solomon 
enjoins is to direct, educate, develop. But in order 
for parents to do this work, they must themselves 
understand the ''way" the child should go. It is 
impossible for parents to give their children proper 
training unless they first give themselves to God, 
learning of the great Teacher lessons of obedience 
to His will. 

Physical training, the development of the body, is 
far more easily given than spiritual training. The 
nursery, the playground, the worksliop ; the sowing 
of the seed, and the gathering of the harvest, — all 
these give physical training. Under ordinarily favor- 
able circumstances a child naturally gains healthful 
vigor and a proper development of the bodily organs. 
Yet even in physical lines the child should be care- 
fully trained. 

Soul culture, which gives purity and elevation to 
the thouglits and fragrance to word and act, requires 
more painstaking effort. It takes patience to keep 
every evil motive weeded from the garden of the 
heart. The spiritual training should in no case be 
neglected; for "the fear of the Lord is the beginning 
of wisdom." Ps. 111:10. By some, education is 
placed next to religion, but true education is religion. 
Tlie Bible should be the child's first text-book. From 
this book, parents are to give wise instruction. The 



The Child's First Sclio<,l 109 

word of God is to be made the rule of the life. From 
it the children are to learn that God is their Father; 
and from the beautiful lessons of His word they are 
to gain a knowledge of His character. Through the 
inculcation of its principles, the}^ are to learn to do 
justice and judgment. 

For some reason, many parents dislike to give their 
children religious instruction ; and they leave them to 
luck up in Sal)l)ath-school the knowledge which it is 
their privilege and duty to impart. Such parents fail 
to fulfil the responsibility laid upon them, to give 
their children an all-round education. God com- 
mands His people to Ijring up their children in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. What does this 
mean — the nurture and admonition of the Lord? It 
means to teach them to order the life by the require- 
ments and lessons of the word ; to help them to gain 
a clear understanding of the terms of entrance into 
the city of God. Not to all who would enter will the 
gates of that city be opened, but to those only who 
have studied to know God's will, and have yielded 
their lives to His control. 

i*a rents, let tlie instruction you give your children 
bo simple, and l)e sure that it is clearly understood. 
The lessons that you learn from the Word you are to 
present to their young minds so plainly that they can- 
not fail to understand. By simple lessons drawn 
from the word of God and their own experience, you 
may teach them how to conform their lives to the 
highest standard. Even in childhood and youth they 
may learn to live thoughtful, earnest lives, that will 
yield a rich harvest of good. 



110 Counsels to Teachers 

THE FAMILY ALTAR 

In every Christian home God should be honored 
hy the morning and evening sacrifices of prayer and 
praise. Children should be taught to respect and 
reverence the hour of prayer. It is the duty of Chris- 
tian parents, morning and evening, by earnest prayer 
and persevering faith, to make a hedge about their 
children. 

In the church at home the children are to learn 
to pray and to trust in God. Teach them to repeat 
God's law. Concerning the commandments the Is- 
raelites were instructed : ' ' Thou shalt teach them dili- 
gently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when 
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by 
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou 
risest up." Deut. 6:7. Come in humility, with a 
heart full of tenderness, and with a sense of the temp- 
tations and dangers before yourselves and your chil- 
dren; by faith bind them to the altar, entreating for 
them the care of the Lord. Train the children to 
offer their simple words of prayer. Tell them that 
God delights to have them call upon Him. 

Will the Lord of heaven pass by such homes, and 
leave no blessing there? — Nay, verily. Ministering 
angels will guard the children who are thus dedicated 
to God. They hear the offering of praise and the 
prayer of faith, and they bear the petitions to Him 
who ministers in the sanctuary for His people, and 
offers His merits in their behalf. 

HOME DISCIPLINE 

The children are to be taught that their capabili- 
ties were given them for the honor and glory of God. 



The Chihrs Fir<;t Scho(d 111 

To this end they imist learn tlie lessou of obedieuce; 
for only by lives of williiii'' obcHlience can tliey reiidei* 
to God the service He reij[uires. Before the child is 
old enough to reason, lie may be taught to obey. I^y 
gentle, persistent effort, the habit should be estab- 
lished. Thus to a great degree may be prevented 
tliose later conflicts between will and authority that 
do so much to arouse in the minds of the youth aliena- 
tion and bitterness toward parents and teachers, and 
too often resistance of all authority, human and 
divine. 

Let children be shown that true reverence is re- 
vealed by obedience. God has commanded nothing 
that is unessential, and there is no other way of mani- 
festing reverence so pleasing to Him as by obedience 
to that which He has spoken. 

The mother is the queen of the home, and the chil- 
dren are her subjects. She is to rule her household 
wisely, in the dignity of her motherhood. Her in- 
fluence in the home is to be paramount ; her word, law. 
If she is a Christian, under God's control, she will 
command the respect of her children. Tell your 
children exactly what you require of them. Then let 
them understand that your word must be obeyed. 
Thus you are training them to respect the command- 
ments of God, which plainly declare, ''Thou shalt," 
and "Thou shalt not." 

Few parents begin early enough to teach their chil- 
dren to obey. The child is usually allowed to get two 
or three years the start of its parents, who forbear 
to discipline it, thinking it too young to learn to obey. 
But all this time self is growing strong in the "little 
being, and every day makes harder the parent's task 



112 (Jounsels to Teachers 

of gaining control. At a, very early age children can 
comprehend what is plainly and simply told them, 
and by kind and judicious management can be taught 
to obey. Never should they be allowed to show their 
parents disrespect. Self-will should never be per- 
mitted to go unrebuked. The future well-being of 
the child requires kindly, loving, but firm discipline. 

There is a l)lind affection that gives the children 
the privilege of doing as they please. But to allow 
a child to follow his natural impulses is to allow him 
to deteriorate and to become proficient in evil. Wise 
parents will not say to their children, "Follow your 
own choice; go where you will, and do what you 
will;" but, "Listen to the instruction of the Lord." 
Wise rules and regulations must be made and en- 
forced, that the beauty of the home life may not be 
spoiled. 

It is impossible to depict the evil that results from 
leaving a child to its own will. Some Avho go astray 
because of neglect in childhood, will later, through the 
inculcation of practical lessons, come to their senses; 
but many are lost forever because in childhood and 
youth they received only a partial, one-sided culture. 
The child who is spoiled has a heavy burden to carry 
throughout his life. In trial, in disappointment, in 
temptation, he will follow his undisciplined, mis- 
directed will. Children who have nevej:* learned to 
obey will have weak, impulsive characters. They seek 
to rule, but have not learned to submit. They are 
without moral strength to restrain their wayward 
tempers, to correct their wrong habits, or to subdue 
their uncontrolled wills. The blunders of untrained, 
undisciplined childhood become the inheritance of 



The Child's First School 113 

manhood and womanhood. The perverted intellect 
can scarcely discern between the true and the false. 
Parents who truly love Christ wall bear witness to 
this in a love for their children that w411 not indulge, 
but Avill work wisely for their highest good. They 
will lend every sanctified energy and ability to the 
work of saving their children. Instead of treating 
them as playthings, they will regard them as the 
purchase of Christ, and will teach them that they are 
to become the children of God. Instead of allow^ing 
them to indulge evil temper and selfish desires, they 
will teach them lessons of self-restraint. And the 
children will be happier, far happier, under proper 
discipline than if left to do as their unrestrained 
impulses suggest. A child's truest graces consist in 
modesty and obedience, — in attentive ears to hear the 
words of direction, in willing feet and hands to w^alk 
and work in the path of duty. 

MAKING HOME ATTRACTIVE 

While many parents err on the side of indulgence, 
others go to the opposite extreme, and rule their chil- 
dren wdth a rod of iron. They seem to forget that 
they themselves were once children. They are dig- 
nified, cold, unsympathetic. Childish mirth and way- 
wardness, the restless activity of the young life, find 
no excuse in their eyes. Trifling misdemeanors are 
treated as grave sins. Such discipline is not Christ- 
like. Children thus trained fear their parents, but 
do not love them; they do not confide in them their 
childish experiences. Some of the most valuable 
qualities of mind and heart are chilled to death as 
a tender plant before the wdntry blast. 

8 — Counsels 



114 Counsels to Teachers 

"While we are not to indulge blind affection, neither 
are we to manifest undue severity. Children cannot 
be brought to the Lord by force. They can be led, 
but not driven. ''My sheep hear My voice, and I 
know them, and they follow Me," Christ declares. 
John 10 : 27. He does not say, My sheep hear My 
voice, and are forced into the path of obedience. 
Never should parents cause their children pain 
])y harshness or unreasonable exactions. Harshness 
drives souls into Satan's net. 

Administer the rules of the home in wisdom and 
love, not with a rod of iron. Children will respond 
with willing obedience to the rule of love. Commend 
your children whenever you can. Make their lives 
as happy as possible. Provide them with innocent 
amusements. Make the home a Bethel, a holy, con- 
secrated place. Keep the soil of the heart mellow by 
the manifestation of love and affection, thus prepar- 
ing it for the seed of truth. Remember that the Lord 
gives the earth not only clouds and rain, but the 
beautiful, smiling sunshine, causing the seed to ger- 
minate and the blossom to appear. Remember that 
children need not only reproof and correction, but 
encouragement and commendation, the pleasant sun- 
shine of kind words. 

The home should be to the children the most at- 
tractive place in the world, and the mother's pres- 
ence should be its greatest charm. Children have 
sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased, 
and easily made unhappy. By gentle discipline, in 
loving words and acts, mothers may bind their chil- 
dren to their hearts. 



The Child's First School 115 

Above all things, parents should surround their 
children Avitli an atmosphere of cheerfulness, cour- 
tesy, and love. A home where love dwells and where 
it finds expression in looks, in words, in acts, is a 
place where angels delight to dwell. Parents, let the 
sunshine of love, cheer, and happy content enter your 
own hearts, and let its sweet influence pervade the 
home. Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit, and en- 
courage the same in your children, cultivating all 
those graces that will brighten the home life. The 
atmosphere thus created will be to the children what 
air and sunshine are to the vegetable world, pro- 
moting health and vigor of mind and body. 

Instead of sending her children from her that she 
may not be annoyed by their noise or troubled by 
their little wants, let the mother plan amusement or 
light work to employ the active hands and minds. 
By entering into their feelings, and directing their 
amusements and employments, the mother will gain 
the confidence of her children; thus she can the more 
effectually correct wrong habits or check the mani- 
festation of selfishness or passion. A word of caution 
or reproof spoken at the right time will be of great 
value. By patient, watchful love she can turn the 
minds of the children in the right direction, culti- 
vating in them beautiful and attractive traits of 
character. 

UNPROMISING CHILDREN 

There are some children who need more patient 
discipline and kindly training than others. They 
have received as a legacy unpromising traits of char- 
acter, and because of this they need the more of 



116 Counsels to Teachers 

sympathy and love. By persevering labor these way- 
ward ones may be prepared for a place in the work 
of the Master. They may possess undeveloped powers 
which, when aroused, will enable them to fill places 
far in advance of those from whom more has been 
expected. 

If you have children with peculiar temperaments, 
do not, because of this, let the blight of discourage- 
ment rest upon their lives. There should be no loud- 
voiced conunands, no unkind, exasperating words, no 
harsh, severe, or gloomy expressions. Help them 
by the manifestation of forbearance and sympathy. 
Strengthen them by loving words and kindly deeds 
to overcome their defects of character. 

The work of "breaking the will" is contrary to 
the principles of Christ. The will of the child must 
be directed and guided. Save all the strength of the 
will, for the human being needs it all; but give it 
proper direction. Treat it wisely and tenderly, as 
a sacred treasure. Do not hammer it in pieces; but 
by precept and true example wisely fashion and 
mould it until the child comes to years of respon- 
sibility. 

W^HEN AND HOW TO PUNISH 

The mother may ask, "Sliall I never punish my 
child?" Whipping may be necessary when other 
resorts fail ; yet slie should not use the rod if it is 
possible to avoid doing so. l^ut 'if milder measures 
prove insufficient, punishment that will bring the 
child to its senses should in love be administered. 
Frequently one such correction will be enough for a 
lifetime, to show the child that he does not hold the 
lines of control. 



The Child: s Firs! Mu>,>1 117 

And wlioii this step IxutoiiH^s noc.ossary, tlio cliild 
slioulcl l)C seriously iiiipresscd with i\u\ thought lliat 
this is not done for the gratification ol" the parent, 
or to indulge arbitrary authoi'ity, hut i'or tlie ehihl's 
own good. He siiouhl be tau<^lit that every fault un- 
corrected will })rinp: nnliappiness to hiinsell", and will 
disj)lease God. Under sueli diseiplinci (thildi'en will 
find their greatest happiness in submitting tlieii- wills 
to tile will ol" theii- heavenly Father. 

Often wti do nioi'(» to provoke than to win. i have 
seen a inothej* snat(;h from the hand of her child 
soMK'tliing that was giving it special pleasure. The 
child did not know the reason ol* this, and naturally 
felt abused. Then follow(;d a {juarrel between pai'cnt 
and child, an<l a sharp chastisement ended the scene 
as tar as outward aj)pearance was concerned; but 
that battle left an impression on the tender mind that 
would not be easily effaced. This mother acted un- 
wisely. She did not reason from cause to effect. Her 
iiarsh, injudicious action stirred the woi'st passions 
in the heart of her child, and on every similar occa- 
sion these passions would be aroused and strengthened. 

Think you that (Jod tak(*s no cognizance! of the way 
such children an^ ('orrected"^ 1I(! knows, and Ih; 
also knows what might Ik; [\\(\ blessed i-esults ii' the 
work of coi-rection were done in a way to win lather 
than to repel. 

Never corn^ct your child in anger. An exhibition 
of passion on your part will not cui'c your ehihl's 
evil temper. That is the time of all times when you 
should act with humility and patience and prayer. 
Then is the time to kneel down with the children, and 
ask the Lord for pardon. Before you cause your 



118 Counsels to Teachers 

child physical pain, you will, if you are a Christian 
father or mother, reveal the love you have for your 
erring little one. As you bow before God with your 
child, you will present before the sympathizing Re- 
deemer His own words, ' ' Suffer the little children to 
come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is 
the kingdom of God." Mark 10:14. That prayer 
will bring angels to your side. Your child will not 
forget these experiences, and the blessing of God will 
rest upon such instruction, leading him to Christ. 

When children realize that their parents are try- 
ing to help them, they will bend their energies in the 
right direction. And to the children who have riglit 
instruction in the home, the advantages of our schools 
will be greater than to those who are allowed to grow 
up witliout si)iritual help at home. 



-®- 



Children who have not experienced the cleansing 
power of Jesus are the lawful prey of the enemy, 
and the evil angels have easy acce^ to them. Some 
parents are careless, and suffer their children to grow 
up with but little restraint. Parents have a great 
work to do in the matter of correcting and training 
their children, and in bringing them to God, and 
claiming His blessing upon them. By the faithful 
and untiring efforts of the parents, and the blessing 
and grace bestowed upon the children in response 
to the prayers of the parents, the power of the evil 
angels may be broken, and a sanctifying influence 
shed upon the children. Thus the powers of darkness 
will be driven back. 



SAFEGUARDING THE YOUNG 

From their iufaucy the youth need to have a firm 
barrier built up between them and the world, that 
its corrupting influence may not affect them. Parents 
must exercise unceasing watchfulness, that their chil- 
dren be not lost to God. The vows of David, recorded 
in the 101st psalm, should be the vows of all upon 
wliom rest the responsibilities of guarding the in- 
fluences of the home. The psalmist declares : " I Avill 
set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the 
work of them tliat turn aside; it shall not cleave to 
me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will 
not know a wicked person. Whoso privily slander- 
eth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath 
a high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine 
eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they 
may dwell with me : he that walketh in a perfect way, 
he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not 
dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not 
tarry in my sight." Ps. 101 : 3-7. 

The youth should not be left to learn good and evil 
indiscriminately, the parents thinking that at some 
future time the good will predominate and the evil 
lose its influence. The evil will increase faster than 
the good. It is possible that the evirwhich children 
learn may be eradicated after many years, but who 
would trust to this? Whatever else they neglect, 
parents should never leave their children free to 
wander in the paths of sin. 

(119) 



120 Counsels to Teachers 

CHOOSING ASSOCIATES 

Parents should remember that association with those 
of lax morals and coarseness of character, Avill have 
a detrimental influence upon the youth. If they fail 
to choose proper society for their children, if they 
allow them to associate with youth of questionable 
morals, they place them, or permit them to place 
themselves, in a school where lessons of depravity 
are taught and practised. They may feel that theii* 
children are strong enough to withstand temptation ; 
but how can tliey be sure of this? Tt is far easier to 
yield to evil iniiuenccs than to resist tlieiii. Ere they 
are aware of it, their children may become imbued 
with the spirit of their associates, and may ])e de- 
graded or ruined. 

Parents, guard the principles and habits of your 
children as the apple of the eye. Allow them to as- 
sociate with no one with Avhose character you are not 
well acquainted. Permit them to form no intimacy 
until you are assured that it will do them no harm. 
Accustom your children to trust your judgment and 
experience. Teach them that you have clearer per- 
ception of character than they in their inexperience 
can have, and that your decisions must not be dis- 
regarded. 

THE CHOICE OF READING 

Parents should endeavor to keep out of the home 
every influence that is not productive of good. In 
this matter some parents have much to learn. To 
those who feel free to read story magazines and novels 
I would say: You are sowing seed the harvest of 
which you will not care to garner. From such read- 



Safeguai-ding the Young 121 

ing there is no spiritual strength to be gained. 
Rather it destroys love for the pure truth of the 
Word. Through the agency of novels and story maga- 
zines, Satan is working to fill with unreal and trivial 
tlioughts, minds that should be diligently studying 
the word of God. Thus he is robbing thousands upon 
thousands of the time and energy and self-discipline 
demanded by the stern problems of life. 

The susceptible, expanding mind of the child longs 
for knowledge. Parents should keep themselves well 
informed, that they may give the minds of their chil- 
dren i)roper food. Like the body, the mind derives 
its strength from the food it receives. It is broad- 
ened and elevated by pure, strengthening thoughts; 
but it is narrowed and debased by thoughts that are 
of the earth earthy. 

Parents, you are the ones to decide whether the 
minds of your children shall be filled with ennobling 
thoughts, or with vicious sentiments. You cannot 
keep their active minds unoccupied, neither can you 
frown away evil. Only by the inculcation of right 
principles can you exclude w^rong thoughts. Unless 
parents plant the seeds of truth in the hearts of 
their children, the enemy will sow tares. Good, 
sound instruction is the only preventive of the evil 
communications that corrupt good manners. Truth 
will protect the soul from the endless temptations that 
must be encountered. 

Let the youth be taught to give close study to the 
word of God. Received into the soul, it will prove 
a mighty barricade against temptation. "Thy word," 
the psalmist declares, "have I hid in mine heart, that 
I might not sin against Thee.'f "By the word of 



122 Counsels to Teachers 

Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the de- 
stroyer." Ps. 119:11; 17:4. 

TEACHING CHILDREN TO BE USEFUL 

One of the surest safeguards of the young is use- 
ful occupation. Children who are trained to in- 
dustrious habits, so that all their hours are usefully 
and pleasantly employed, have no inclination to re- 
pine at their lot and no time for idle day-dreaming. 
They are in little danger of forming vicious habits 
or associations. 

In the home school the children should be taught 
how to perform the practical duties of every-day life. 
While they are still young, the mother should give 
them some simple task to do each day. It will take 
longer for her to teach them how than it would to 
do it herself; but let her remember that she is to 
lay for their character-building the foundation of 
helpfulness. Let her remember that the home is a 
school in which she is the head teacher. It is hers to 
teach her children how to perform the duties of the 
household quickly and skilfully. As early in life 
as possible they should be trained to share the bur- 
dens of the home. From childhood boys and girls 
should be taught to bear heavier and still heavier 
burdens, intelligently helping in the work of the 
family firm. 

When children reach a suitable age, they should 
be provided with tools. They will be found to be 
apt pupils. If the father is a carpenter, he should 
give his boys lessons in carpentry. 

From the mother the children are to learn habits 
of neatness, thoroughness, and despatch. To allow a 



Safeguarding the Young 123 

child to take an hour or two iu doiug a piece of work 
that could easily be done in half an hour, is to allow 
it to form dilatory habits. Habits of industry and 
thoroughness will be an untold blessing to the youth 
in the larger school of life, upon which they must 
enter as they grow older. 

Children are not to be allowed to think that every- 
thing in the house is their plaything, to do with as 
they please. Instruction in this line should be given 
even to the smallest children. By correcting this- 
habit, you will destroy it. God designs that the per- 
versities natural to childhood shall be rooted out be- 
fore they become habits. Do not give the children 
playthings that are easily broken. To do this is to 
teach lessons in destructiveness. Let them have a 
few playthings, and let these be strong and durable, 
Sucli suggestions, small though they may seem, mean 
much in the education of the child. 

^Mothers should guard against training their chil- 
dren to be dependent and self-absorbed. Never give 
them cause to think that they are the center, and 
that everything must revolve around them. Some 
parents give much time and attention to amusing 
their children; but children should be trained to 
amuse themselves, to exercise their own ingenuity and 
skill. Thus they will learn to be content with simple 
pleasures. They should be taught to bear bravely 
their little disappointments and trials. Instead of 
calling attention to every trifling pain or hurt, divert 
their minds; teach them to pass lightly over little 
annoyances and discomforts. 

Study how to teach the children to be thoughtful 
of others. The youth should be early accustomed to 



124 Counsels to Teachers 

submission, self-denial, and a regard for others' hap- 
piness. They should be taught to subdue the hasty 
temper, to withhold the passionate word, to manifest 
unvarying kindness, courtesy, and self-control. 

Burdened with many cares, the mother may some- 
times feel that she cannot take time patiently to 
instruct her little ones, and to give them love and 
sympathy. But she sliould remember that if the 
children do not find in their parents and in their 
homes tliat which will satisfy their desire for sym- 
l)athy and companionship, they will look to otlier 
sources, where both mind and chai'actei* may l)e 
endangered. 

Give some of your leisure hours to your children; 
associate witli them in their work and in their sports, 
and win their confidence. Cultivate their friendship. 
Give them responsibilities to ])ear, small at first, and 
larger as they grow older. Let them see that you 
tliink they help you. Never, never let them hear you 
say, ''They hinder me more than they help me." 

If possible, the home should be out of the city, 
where the children can have ground to cultivate. Let 
them each have a piece of ground of their own; and 
as you teach them how to make a garden, how to pre- 
pare the soil for seed, and the importance of keeping 
all the weeds pulled out, teach them also how im- 
portant it is to keep unsightly, injurious practices 
out of the life. Teach them to keep down wrong 
habits as they keep down the weeds in their gardens. 
It will take time to teach these lessons, but it will 
pay, greatly pay. 

Tell your children about the miracle-working power 
of God. As they study the great lesson-book of na- 



Safeguarding the Young 125 

ture, God will impress their minds. The farmer 
plows his land and sows his seed; but he cannot 
make the seed grow. He must depend on God to do 
that which no human power can do. The Lord puts 
His vital power into the seed, causing it to spring 
forth into life. Under His care the germ of life 
breaks through the hard crust encasing it, and springs 
up to bear fruit. First appears the blade, then the 
ear, then the full corn in the ear. As children are 
told of the work that God does for the seed, they 
learn the secret of grow^th in grace. 

There is untold value in industry. Let the chil- 
dren be taught to do something useful. More than 
human wisdom is needed that parents may under- 
stand how best to educate their children for a useful, 
happy life here, and for higher service and greater 
joy hereafter. 

THE PHYSICAL WELL-BEING 

Parents should seek to aw-aken in their children 
an interest in the study of physiology. From the 
first dawn of reason the human mind should become 
intelligent in regard to the physical structure. We 
may behold and admire the w^ork of God in the natu- 
ral w^orld, but the human habitation is the most won- 
derful. It is therefore of the highest importance that 
among the studies selected for children, physiology 
occupy an important place. All children should 
study it. And then parents should see to it that 
practical hygiene is added. 

Children are to be trained to understand that every 
organ of the body and every faculty of the mind is 
the gift of a good and wise God, and that each is to 



126 Counsels to Teachers 

be used to His glory. Right habits in eating and 
drinking and dressing must be insisted upon. Wrong 
habits render the youth less susceptible to Bible in- 
struction. The children are to be guarded against the 
indulgence of appetite, and especially against the use 
of stimulants and narcotics. The tables of Christian 
parents should not be loaded down with food con- 
taining condiments and spices. 

There are but few among the young who have any 
definite knowledge of the mysteries of life. The study 
of the wonderful human organism, the relation and 
dependence of all its complicated parts, is one in 
which most mothers take little if any interest. They 
do not understand the influence of the body upon the 
mind, or of the mind upon the body. They occupy 
themselves with needless trifles, and then plead that 
they have no time to obtain the information which 
they need in order to care properly for the health 
of their children. It is less trouble to trust them to 
the doctors. Thousands of children die through the 
ignorance of their parents regarding the laws of 
hygiene. 

If parents themselves would obtain knowledge upon 
this subject, and feel the importance of putting it 
to a practical use, we should see a better condition 
of things. Teach your children to reason from cause 
to effect. Show them that if they violate the laws of 
their being, they must pay the penalty in suffering. 
If you cannot see as rapid improvement as you 
desire, do not be discouraged, but instruct them 
patiently, and press on until victory is gained. 
Recklessness in regard to bodily health tends to reck- 
lessness in morals. 



Safeguarding the Young 127 

Do not neglect to teach your children how to pre- 
pare wholesome food. In giving them these lessons 
in physiology and in good cooking, you are teaching 
them the first steps in some of the most useful 
branches of education, and inculcating principles 
which are needful elements in their religious life. 

Teach your children from the cradle to practise 
self-denial and self-control. Teach them to enjoy the 
beauties of nature, and in useful employment to ex- 
ercise all the powers of mind and body. Bring them 
up to have sound constitutions and good morals, to 
liave sunny dispositions and sweet tempers. Teach 
them that to yield to temptation is weak and wicked; 
to resist is noble and manly. 

Let all, both old and young, give diligent heed to 
the words penned by the wise man three thousand 
years ago : ' ' My son, forget not my law ; but let thine 
heart keep my commandments: for length of days, 
and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let 
not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about 
thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 
so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in 
the sight of God and man. ' ' Prov. 3 : 1-4. 

UNITY IN GOVERNMENT 

Unitedly and prayerfully the father and mother 
should bear the grave responsibility of guiding their 
children aright. It is chiefly upon the mother that 
the work of child-training devolves; but the father 
should not become so absorbed in business life or in 
the study of books that he cannot take time to study 
the natures and necessities of his children. He should 
help in devising ways by which they may be kept 



128 Counsels to Teachers 

busy in useful labor agreeable to their varying dis- 
positions. 

The father of boys should come into close contact 
with his sons, giving them the benefit of his larger 
experience, and talking with them in such simplicity 
and tenderness that he binds them to his heart. He 
should let them see that he has their best interests, 
their happiness, in view all the time. As the priest 
of the household, he is accountable to God for the 
influence that lie (\\erts ov(M' every member of the 
family. 

The motlier should feci lier need of tlio Holy 
Spirit's guidance, that she herself may have a genu- 
ine experience in submission to tlie way and will of 
God. Then, through the grace of Christ, she can 
be a wise, gentle, loving teacher. To do her Avork 
as it should be done, requires .talent and skill and 
patient, thoughtful care. It calls for self-distrust 
and earnest prayer. Let every mother strive by per- 
severing effort to fulfil her obligations. Let her bring 
her little ones to Jesus in the arms of faith, telling 
Him her great need, and asking for wisdom and 
grace. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she shouhl 
seek to improve her own abilities, that she may use 
ariglit tlie highest powers of tlie mind in the train- 
ing of her children. 

As united rulers of the home kingdom, let father 
and mother show kindness and courtesy to each other. 
Never should their deportment militate against the 
precepts they seek to inculcate. They must main- 
tain purity of heart and life if they would have their 
children pure. They must train and discipline self 



Saf((jt((n-(lin(j the young 129 

if tliey would have their children subject to dis- 
cipline. They must set before their children an 
example worthy of imitation. Should they be remiss 
in this respect, what will they answer if the children 
entrusted to them stand before the bar of heaven as 
witnesses to their neglect? How terrible Avill be their 
realization of loss and failure as they face the Judge 
of all the earth! 

One great reason why there is so much evil in the 
\\orld to-day is that parents occupy their minds with 
other things to the exclusion of the work that is all- 
important, — the task of patiently and kindly teach- 
ing their children the way of the Lord. Parents 
should allow nothing to prevent them from giving 
to their children all the time that is necessary to make 
them understand what it means to obey and trust 
the Lord fully. 

Before visitors, before every other consideration, 
your children should come first. The time spent in 
needless sewing, God would have you spend in edu- 
cating them in essential things. That unnecessary 
garment you are making, that extra dish you think 
you will prepare — let it be neglected rather than the 
education of your children. The labor due your child 
during its early years will admit of no neglect. There 
is no time in its life w^hen the rule should be forgot- 
ten. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a 
little, and there a little. Deny your children any- 
thing rather than the instruction which, if faithfully 
followed, w^ill make them good and useful members of 
society, and will prepare them for citizenship in the 
kingdom of heaven. 

— Counsels 



130 Counsels io Teachers 

A MISSIONARY TRAINING 

Upon parents rests the responsibility of develop- 
ing in their children those capabilities which will 
enable them to do good service for God. God sees 
all the possibilities in that mite of humanity. He 
sees that with proper training the child will become 
a power for good in the world. He watches with 
anxious interest to see whether the parents will carry 
out His plan, or whether by mistaken kindness they 
will thwart His purpose, indulging the child to his 
present and eternal ruin. To transform this help- 
less and apparently insignificant being into a bless- 
ing to the world and an honor to God, is a great and 
grand work. 

Parents, help your children to fulfil God's purpose 
for them. In the home they are to be trained to do 
missionary work that will prepare them for wider 
spheres of usefulness. Train them to be an honor 
to the One who died to gain for them eternal life 
in the kingdom of glory. Teach them that God has 
a part for them to act in His great work. The Lord 
will bless them as they work for Him. They can be 
His helping hand. 

Your home is the first field in which you are called 
to labor. The precious plants in the home garden 
demand your first care. Consider carefully your 
work, its nature, its bearings, its results, ever re- 
membering that your looks, your words, your actions, 
have a direct bearing on the future of your dear ones. 
Your work is not to fashion beauty on canvas, or to 
chisel it from marble, but to impress upon a human 
soul the image of the divine. 



Safeguarding the Young 131 

Give your children intellectual culture and moral 
training. Fortify their young minds with firm, pure 
principles. While you have opportunity, lay the 
foundation for a noble manhood and womanhood. 
Your labor will be rewarded a thousandfold. 

This is your day of trust, your day of responsi- 
bility and opportunity. Soon will come your day of 
reckoning. Take up your work with earnest prayer 
and faithful endeavor. Teach your children that it 
is their privilege to recei^ every day the baptism of 
the Holy Spirit. Let Christ find you His helping 
hand to carry out His purposes. By prayer you may 
gain an experience that wdll make your ministry for 
your children a perfect success. 

Seventh-day Adventist parents should more fully 
realize their responsibilities as character-builders. 
God places before them the privilege of strengthen- 
ing His cause through the consecration and labors 
of their children. He desires to see gathered out 
from the homes of our people a large company of 
youth who, because of the godly influences of their 
homes, have surrendered their hearts to Him, and 
go forth to give Him the highest service of their lives. 
Directed and trained by the godly instruction of the 
home, the influence of the morning and evening wor- 
ship, the consistent example of parents who love and 
fear God, thej^ have learned to submit to God as their 
teacher, and are prepared to render Him acceptable 
service as loyal sons and daughters. Such youth are 
prepared to represent to the world the power and 
grace of Christ. 



WHAT SHALL OUR CHILDREN READ? 

What shall our children read? This is a serious 
question, and one that demands a serious answer. It 
troubles me to see in Sabbath-keeping families peri- 
odicals and newspapers containing continued stories 
which leave no impressions for good on the minds of 
children and youth. I have watched those whose 
taste for fiction was thus cultivated. They have had 
the privilege of listening to the trutli, of becoming 
acquainted with tlie reasons of our faith; but they 
Jiave grown to maturer years destitute of true piety 
and practical godliness. They manifest no devotion, 
and reflect no heavenly light upon tlieir associates, 
to lead them to the Fount of all true knowledge. 

It is during the first years ol' a child's life that 
his mind is most susceptible to impressions either 
good or evil. During these years decided progress is 
made in either a right direction or a wrong one. 
On one hand, much worthless information may be 
gained; on the other, much solid, valuable knowl- 
edge. The strength of intellect, the substantial 
knowledge, are possessions which the gold of Ophir 
could not buy. Their price is above gold or silver. 
The kind of education that fits the youth for prac- 
tical life, they naturally do not choose. They urge 
their desires, their likes and dislikes, their prefer- 
ences and inclinations; but if parents have correct 
views of God, of the truth, and of the influences and 
associations that should surround their children, they 
will feel that upon them rests the God-given responsi- 
bility of carefully guiding the inexperienced youth. 

[132] • 



\Vha( Shall Our Ckildnn Ihadf 183 

Many youth are eager I'or books. They read any- 
thing that they can obtain. I appeal to the parents 
of such children to control their desire for reading. 
Do not permit upon your tables the magazines and 
newspapers in which are found love stories. Supply 
their place Avitli books that will help the youth to put 
into their character-building the very best material, — 
the love and fear of God, the knowledge of Christ. 
Encourage your children to store the mind with valu- 
able knowledge, to let that which is good occupy the 
soul and control its powers, leaving no place for low, 
debasing thoughts. Restrict the desire for reading 
matter that does not furnish good food for the mind. 
The money expended for story magazines may not 
seem much, but it is too much to spend for that which 
gives so much that is misleading, and so littlf that is 
good in return. Those who are in God's servicM^ 
should spend neither time nor money in unj)rofita})l(' 
reading. 

WORTHLESS READING 

The world is deluged with books that might better 
be consumed than circulated. Books on sensational 
topics, published and circulated as a money-making 
scheme, might better never be read by the youth. 
There is a satanic fascination in such books. The 
heart-sickening recital of crimes and atrocities has a 
bewitching power upon many, exciting them to see 
what they can do to bring themselves into notice, even 
by the wickedest deeds. The enormities, the cruel- 
ties, the licentious practices, portrayed in some of 
the strictly historical Avritings, have acted as leaven 



134 Counsels to Teaclicrs 

oil many minds, leading to tlie commission of similar 
acts. 

Books that delineate the satanic practices of human 
beings are giving publicity to evil. These horrible 
particulars need not be lived over, and no one who 
believes the truth for this time should act a part in 
perpetuating the memory of them. When the in- 
tellect is fed and stimulated by this depraved food, 
the thoughts become impure and sensual. 

There is another class of books — love stories and 
frivolous, exciting tales — which are a curse to every 
one who reads them, even though the author may 
attach a good moral. Often religious statements are 
woven all through these books; but in most cases 
Satan is but clothed in angel robes, to deceive and 
allure the unsuspicious. The practice of story read- 
ing is one of the means employed by Satan to 
destroy souls. It produces a false, unhealthy ex- 
citement, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for 
usefulness, and disqualifies it for any spiritual ex- 
ercise. It weans the soul from praj^er and from the 
love of spiritual things. 

Readers of frivolous,, exciting tales become unfitted 
for the duties of practical life. They live in an 
unreal world. I have watched children who have 
been allowed to make a practice of reading such 
stories. Whether at home or abroad, they were rest- 
less, dreamy, unable to converse except upon the most 
commonplace subjects. Religious thought and con- 
versation was entirely foreign to their minds. With 
the cultivation of an appetite for sensational stories, 
the mental taste is perverted, and the mind is not 
satisfied unless fed upon this unwholesome food. I 



What Shall Our dhildrca Read f 1:^^) 

tan think of uo more titling name for tiiose who 
indulge in such reading than mental inebriates. In- 
temperate habits of reading have an effect upon the 
brain similar to that which intemperate habits of 
eating and drinking have upon the body. 

Those who indulge the habit of racing through an 
exciting story are simply crippling their mental 
strength, and disqualifying their minds for vigor- 
ous thought and research. Some youth, and even 
some of mature age, have been afflicted with paraly- 
sis from no other cause than excess in reading. The 
nerve powder of the brain was kept constantly excited, 
until the delicate machinery became worn, and re- 
fused to act. Some of its fine mechanism gave way, 
and paralysis was the result. 

There are men and women now- in the decline of 
life who have never recovered from the effects of in- 
temperance in reading. The habit formed in early 
years grew with their growth and strengthened with 
their strength. Their determined efforts to over- 
come the sin of abusing the intellect, Avere partially 
successful; but they have never recovered the full 
vigor of mind that God bestow^ed upon them. 

INFIDEL AUTHORS 

Another source of danger against which w^e should 
be constantly on guard, is the reading of infidel 
authors. Such works are inspired by the enemy of 
truth, and no one can read them without imperiling 
the soul. It is true that some who are affected by 
them may finally recover; but all who tamper with 
their evil influence place themselves on Satan's 
ground, and he makes the most of his advantage. As 



136 Counsels to Teacherx 

they invite liis temptations, tliey have not wisdom 
to discern or strength to resist them. With a fas- 
cinating, bewitching power, unbelief and infidelity 
fasten themselves upon the mind. 

We are constantly surrounded by unbelief. The 
\QYj atmosphere seems charged with it. Only by 
constant effort can we resist its power. Those who 
value their salvation should shun infidel writings 
as they would shun the leprosy. 

PREOCCUPY THE SOIL 

The best way to prevent the growth of evil is to 
})reoccupy the soil. Instead of recommending your 
children to read ''Robinson Crusoe," or fascinating 
stories of real life, such as "Uncle Tom's Cabin," 
open the Scriptures to them, and spend some time 
each day in reading and studying God's word. The 
mental tastes must be discij)1in('d nnd educated with 
the greatest care. Parents must begin early to un- 
fold the Scriptures to the expanding minds of their 
children, that i)roper habits of thought may be 
formed. 

No effort should be spared to establish right habits 
of study. If the mind wanders, bring it back. If 
the intellectual and moral tastes have been perverted 
by overwrought and exciting tales of fiction, so that 
there is a disinclination to apply the mind, there is 
a battle to be fought to overcome this habit. A love 
for fictitious reading should be overcome at once. 
Kigid rules should be enforced to hold the mind in 
the proper channel. 

Between an uncultivated field and an untrained 
mind there is a striking similarity. In the minds 



What Sliall Our Ckildren Read? 187 

of children aud youth the enemy sows tares, and un- 
less parents keep watchful guard, these will spring 
up to bear their evil fruit. Unceasing care is needed 
in cultivating the soil of the mind and sowing it 
with the precious seed of Bible truth. Children 
should be taught to reject trashy, exciting tales, and 
to turn to sensible reading, which will lead the mind 
to take an interest in Bible story, history, and argu- 
ment. Reading that will throw light upon the Sacred 
Volume and quicken the desire to study it, is not 
dangerous, but beneficial. 

THE SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON 

The Sabbath-school affords to parents and children 
an opportunity for the study of God's word. But 
in order for them to gain that benefit which they 
should gain in the Sabbath-school, lioth parents and 
children should devote time to the study of the les- 
son, seeking to ol)tain a thorough knowledge of the 
facts presented, and also of the spiritual truths which 
these facts are designed to teach. We should es- 
pecially impress upon the minds of the youth the 
importance of seeking the full significance of the 
scripture under consideration. 

Parents, set apart a little time each day for the 
study of the Sabbath-school lesson with your chil- 
dren. Give up the social visit, if need be, rather 
than sacrifice the hour devoted to the lessons of 
sacred history. Parents as well as children will re- 
ceive benefit from this study. Let the more impor- 
tant passages of Scripture connected with the lesson 
be committed to memory, not as a task, but as a 
privilege. Though at first the memory may be de- 



138 Counsels to Teachers 

fective, it will gain strength by exercise, so that after 
a time you will delight thus to treasure up the words 
of truth. And the habit will prove a most valuable 
aid to spiritual growth. 

THE HOME READING-CIRCLE 

Let our people show that they have a live interest 
in medical missionary work. Let them prepare them- 
selves for usefulness by studying the literature that 
has been prepared for our instruction on these sub- 
jects. Those who study and practise the principles 
of right living will be greatly blessed, both physically 
and spiritually. An understanding of the philosophy 
of health is a safeguard against many of the evils 
that are continually increasing. 

Fathers and mothers, obtain all the help you can 
from the study of our books and publications. Take 
time to read to your children from the health books, 
as well as from the books treating more particularly 
on religious subjects. Teach them the importance 
of caring for the body, — the house they live in. 
Form a home reading-circle, in which every member 
of the family shall lay aside the busy cares of the 
day, and unite in study. Especially will the youth 
who have been accustomed to reading novels and 
cheap story books, receive benefit from joining in the 
evening family study. 

THE BIBLE 

Above all, take time to read the- Bible — the Book 
of books. A daily study of the Scriptures has a 
sanctifying, uplifting influence upon the mind. Bind 



What S^hall Our Chlldrfu Read? 139 

the holy vuluuic to yuur hearts. It will prove to you 
a friend and guide in perplexity. 

Both old and young neglect the Bible. They do 
not make it their stud}^, the rule of their life. Espe- 
cially are the young guilty of this neglect. Most of 
them find time to read other hooks, but the book that 
points out the way to eternal life is not daily stud- 
ied. Idle stories are attentively read, while the Bible 
is neglected. This book is our guide to a higher, 
holier life. The youth would pronounce it the most 
interesting book they ever read had not their imagi- 
nation been perverted by the reading of fictitious 
stories. 

Youthful minds fail to reach their noblest devel- 
opment when they neglect the highest source of wis- 
dom, — the word of God. That we are in God 's world, 
in the presence of the Creator; that we are made in 
His likeness; that He watches over us and loves us 
and cares for us, — these are wonderful themes for 
thought, and lead the mind into broad, exalted fields 
of meditation. He who opens mind and heart to the 
contemplation of such themes as these will never be 
satisfied with trivial, sensational subjects. 

The importance of seeking a thorough knowledge 
of the Scriptures can hardly be estimated. ''Given 
by inspiration of God," able to make us "wise unto 
salvation," rendering the man of God "perfect, 
thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 
3:15-17), the Bible has the highest claim to our 
reverent attention. We should not be satisfied with 
a superficial knowledge, but should seek to learn the 
full meaning of the words of truth, to drink deep of 
the spirit of the Holy Oracles. 



THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED 

Jesus taught by illustrations and parables drawn 
from nature and from the familiar events of every- 
day life. ... In this way He associated natural 
things with si)iritual, linking the things of nature 
and the life experience of His hearers with the sub- 
lime truths of the written word. And whenever 
afterward their eyes rested on tlie objects with which 
He had associated eterutd truth, His lessons were 
repeated. 

One of Christ's most beautiful and impressive par- 
ables is that of the sower and the seed. ''So is the 
kingdom of God," He said, "as if a man should 
cast seed into the ground ; and should sleep, and rise 
night and day, and the seed should spring and grow 
up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth 
forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, 
after that the full corn in the ear." Mark 4: 26-28. 
... He who gave this parable. Himself created the 
tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained 
the laws that should govern its growth ; and He made 
it a living illustration of truth in both the natural 
and the spiritual world. 

The truths which this parable teaches were made 
a living reality in Christ's own life. In both His 
physical and His spiritual nature He follow^ed the 
divine order of growth, illustrated by the plant, as 
He wnshes all youth to do. Although He was the 
Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became 

[140] 



t'iiiablt of tlie Gruivlng !>!eed 141 

a babe iu Bethlehem, and for a time represented the 
helpless infant in its mother's care. 

In childhood, Jesus did the works of an obedient 
child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a 
child, and not of a man, honoring His parents, and 
carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, accord- 
ing to the ability of a child. But at each stage of 
His development He was perfect, with the simple, 
natural grace of a sinless life. The sacred record 
says of His childhood, ''The child grew, and waxed 
strong in spirit, filled with Avisdom : and the grace 
of God was upon Him." And of His youth it is 
recorded, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, 
and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:40, 52. 

The work of parents and teachers is here sug- 
gested. . . . They should aim so to cultivate the 
tendencies of the youth, that at each stage of their 
life tliey may represent the natural beauty appro- 
priate to that period, unfolding naturally, as do the 
plants in the garden. 

THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY 

Those children are most attractive who are natural 
and unaffected. It is not wise to give children special 
notice, and repeat their clever sayings before them. 
Vanity should not be encouraged by praising their 
looks, their words, or their actions. Nor should they 
])e dressed in an expensive or showy manner. This 
encourages pride in them, and aAvakens envy in the 
Jiearts of their companions. Teach the children that 
tlie true adorning is not outward. "Whose adorning 
let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the 
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of 



142 Counsels to Teachers 

apparel; but let it be tlie hidden man of the heart, 
in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of 
God of great price." 1 Peter 3 : 3, 4. . . . 

The little ones should be educated in childlike 
simplicity. They should be trained to be content 
with the small, helpful duties and the pleasures and 
experiences natural to their years. Childhood an- 
swers to the blade in the parable, and the blade has 
a beauty peculiarly its own. The children should not 
be forced into a precocious maturity, but should re- 
tain as long as possible the freshness and grace of 
their early years. 

THE GARDEN OF THE HEART 

The parable of the sower and the seed conveys a 
deep spiritual lesson. The seed represents the prin- 
ciples sown in the heart, and its growth the develop- 
ment of character. j\Iake the teaching on this point 
practical. The children can prepare the soil and sow 
the seed; and as they work, the parent or teacher 
can explain to them the garden of the heart, with the 
good or bad seed sown there ; and that as the garden 
must be prepared for the natural seed, so the heart 
must be prepared for the seed of truth. As the 
plant grows, the correspondence between the natural 
and the spiritual sowing can be continued. 

The little children may be Christians, having an 
experience in accordance with their years. This is 
all that God expects of them. They need to be edu- 
cated in spiritual things; and parents should give 
them every advantage, that they may form char- 
acters after the similitude of the character of Christ. 



Parable of the Growing Seed 143 

The mind will never cease to be active. It is open 
to influences, good or bad. As the human counte- 
nance is stamped by the sunbeam on the polished 
plate of the artist, so are thoughts and impressions 
stamped on the mind of the child ; and whether these 
impressions are of the earth earthy, or moral and 
religious, they are well-nigh ineffaceable. When rea- 
son is awakening, the mind is most susceptible; and 
so the very first lessons are of great importance. 
These lessons have a powerful influence in the forma- 
tion of character. If they are of the right stamp, 
and if, as the child advances in years, they are fol- 
lowed up with patient perseverance, the earthly and 
the eternal destiny ^Yi\\ be shaped for good. This 
is the word of the Lord: ''Train up a child in the 
way he should go: and when he is old, he will not 
depart from it." Prov. 22:6. 

Parents, give your children to the Lord, and ever 
keep before their minds that they belong to Him, 
that they are the lambs of Christ's flock, watched 
over by the True Shepherd. Hannah dedicated 
Samuel to the Lord; and it is said of him, "Samuel 
grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none 
of his words [the Lord's words through Samuel] 
fall to the ground." 1 Sam. 3:19. In the case of 
this prophet and judge in Israel are presented the 
possibilities that are placed before the child whose 
parents co-operate with God, doing their appointed 
work. 

Children are a heritage from the Lord, and they 
are to be trained for His service. This is the work 
that rests upon parents and teachers with solemn, 
sacred force, which they cannot evade or ignore. To 



144 Counsels to Teachers 

neglect this work marks them as unfaithful servants; 
but there is. a reward when the seed of truth is early 
sown in the heart and carefully tended. 

Christ concludes the parable : ' ' But when the fruit 
is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, 
because the harvest is come." Mark 4:29. When 
the harvest of the earth is reaped, we shall see the 
result of our toil ; for we shall see those for whom we 
have labored and prayed gathered into the heavenly 
garner. So shall we enter into the joy of our Lord, 
when "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and 
shall be satisfied." Isa. 53:11. — '''Special Testi- 
monies on Education/' pp. 67-72. 



-®- 



The mother's work often seems to her an unimpor- 
tant service. It is a work that is rarely appreciated. 
Others know little of her many cares and burdens. 
Her days are occupied with a round of little duties, 
all calling for patient effort, for self-control, for 
tact, wisdom, and self-sacrificing love; yet she can- 
not boast of what she has done as any great achieve- 
ment. She has only kept things in the home running 
smoothly. Often weary and perplexed, she has tried 
to speak kindly to the children, to keep them busy 
and happy, and to guide their little feet in the right 
l)atli. Slie feels that she has accomplished nothing. 
But it is not so. Heavenly angels watch the care- 
worn mother, noting the burdens she carries day by 
day. Her name may not have been heard in the 
world, but it is written in the Lamb's book of life. 



TEACHING LESSONS OF HELPFULNESS 

Life is not given to be spent in idleness and self- 
pleasing. Great possibilities have been placed before 
every one who will develop his God-given capabili- 
ties. For this reason the training of the young is 
a matter of highest importance. Every child born 
into the home is a sacred trust. God says to the 
parents, ' ' Take this child, and bring ^t up for Me, 
that it may be an honor to My name, and a channel 
through which 'My blessings shall flow to the world." 
To fit the child for such a life, something more is 
called for than a partial, one-sided education, which 
shall develop the mental at the expense of the phys- 
ical powers. All the faculties of mind and body 
need to be developed; and this is the work which 
parents, aided by the teacher, are to do for the chil- 
dren and youth placed under their care. 

The first lessons are of great importance. It is 
customary to send very young children to school. 
They are required to study from books things that 
tax their young minds, and often they are taught 
music. Frequently the parents have but limited 
means, and an expense is incurred which they can 
ill afford, but everything must be made to bend to 
this artificial line of education. This course is not 
wise. A nervous child should not be overtaxed in any 
direction, and should not learn music until he is 
physically well developed. 

The mother should be the teacher, and home the 
school where every child receives his first lessons; 

[145] 

10 — Counsels 



146 Counsels to Teachers 

and these lessons should include habits of industry. 
Mothers, let the little ones play in the open air; let 
them listen to the songs of the birds, and learn the 
love of God as expressed in His beautiful works. 
Teach them simple lessons from the book of nature 
and the things about them ; and as their minds ex- 
pand, lessons from books may be added, and firmly 
fixed in their memory. But let them also learn, even 
in their earliest years, to be useful. Train them to 
think that, as members of the household, they are to 
act a disinterested, helpful part in sharing the do- 
mestic burden^ and to seek healthful exercise in the 
performance of necessary home duties. 

It is essential for parents to find useful employ- 
ment for their children, which will involve the bear- 
ing of responsibilities as their age and strength will 
permit. The children should be given something to 
do that will not only keep them busy, but will in- 
terest them. The active hands and brains must be 
employed from the earliest years. If parents neglect 
to turn their children's energies into useful chan- 
nels, they do them great injury; for Satan is ready 
to find them something to do. . . . 

THE CO-OPERATION OF TEACHER AND PARENT 

When the child is old enough to be sent to school, 
the teacher should co-operate with the parents, and 
manual training should be continued as part of the 
school studies. There are many students who o])ject 
to this kind of work in the schools. They think use- 
ful employment, like learning a trade, degrading; 
but such have an incorrect idea of what constitutes 
true dignity. . . , 



Teaching Les<i07is of Helpfulness 147 

Christ's example 

In His earth-life Christ was an example to all the 
human family, and He was obedient and helpful in 
the home. He learned the carpenter's trade, and 
worked with His own hands in the little shop at 
Nazareth. . . . The Bible says of Jesus, "The child 
grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom : 
and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40. 
As He worked in childhood and youth, mind and body 
were developed. He did, not use His physical powers 
recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in 
health, that He might do the best work in every 
line. . . . 

In the children and youth an ambition should be 
awakened to take their exercise in doing something 
that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to 
others. The exercise that develops mind and char- 
acter, that teaches the hands to be useful, that trains 
the young to bear their share of life's burdens, is 
that which gives physical strength and quickens 
every faculty. And there is a reward in virtuous 
industry, in the cultivation of the habit of living to 
do good. 

The children of the w^ealthy should not be de- 
prived of the great blessing of having something to 
do to increase the strength of brain and muscle. 
Work is not a curse, but a blessing. God gave sin- 
less Adam and Eve a beautiful garden to tend. This 
was pleasant work, and none but pleasant work would 
have entered our world had not the first pair trans- 
gressed God's commandments. . . . The w^ealthy 
are not to be deprived of the privilege and blessing 



148 Counsels to Teachers 

of a place among the world's workers. They should 
realize that they are responsible for the use they make 
of their entrusted possessions; that their strength, 
their time, and their money are to be used wisely, 
and not for selfish purposes. . . . 

The approval of God rests with loving assurance 
upon the children wlio cheerfully take their part in 
the duties of domestic life, sharing tlie burdens of 
father and mother. They will be rewarded with 
health of body and peace of mind; and they will 
enjoy the pleasure of seeing .their parents take their 
share of social enjoyment and healthful recreation, 
thus prolonging their lives. Children trained to the 
practical duties of life will go out from the home to 
be useful members of society, with an education far 
superior to that gained by close confinement in the 
schoolroom at an early age, when neither the mind 
nor the body is strong enough to endure the strain. 

At home and in the school, by precept and ex- 
ample, the children and youth should be taught to 
be truthful, unselfish, industrious. They should not 
be allowed to spend their time in idleness; their 
hands should not be folded in inaction. Parents and 
teachers should work for the accomplishment of this 
object — the development of all the powers, and the 
formation of right character. But when parents 
realize their responsibilities, there will be far less 
left for the teachers to do. 

Heaven is interested in this work in behalf of the 
young. The parents and teachers who by wise in- 
struction, in a calm, decided manner, accustom chil- 
dren to think of and care for others, will help them 
to overcome their selfishness, and will close the door 



Teaching Lr.s\9o?j.<? of Helpfulness 149 

against many temptations. Angels of God will co- 
operate with these faithful instructors. Angels are 
not commissioned to do tliis work themselves; but 
they will give strength and efficiency to those who, in 
the fear of (Jod, seek to train the young to a life 
of usefulness. 

® 

Our schools are the Lord's special instnnnentality 
to fit the children and youth for missionary work. 
Parents should understand their responsibility, and 
help their children to appreciate the great privileges 
and blessings that God has provicied for them in edu- 
cational advantages. 

But their domestic education should keep pace 
with their education in missionary lines. In child- 
hood and youth practical and literary training should 
be combined. Children should be taught to have a 
part in domastic duties. They should be instructed 
how to help father and mother in the little things 
that they can do. Their minds should be trained to 
think, their memories taxed to remember their ap- 
pointed work; and in the training to habits of use- 
fulness in the home they are being educated in do- 
ing practical duties appropriate \o their age. 

If children have proper home training, they will 
not be found upon the streets, receiving the hap- 
hazard education that so many receive. Parents who 
love their children in a sensible way wdll not per- 
mit them to grow up with lazy habits, and ignorant 
of how to do home duties. Ignorance is not ac- 
ceptable to God, and is unfavorable for the doing 
of His work. 



CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE HOME 
AND THE SCHOOL 

It is in the home school that our boys and girls are 
to be prepared to attend the church school. Parents 
should constantly keep this in mind, and as teachers 
in the home, should consecrate every power of the 
being to God, that they may fulfil their high and holy 
mission. Diligent, faithful instruction in the home 
is the best preparation that children can receive for 
school life. Wise parents will help their children to 
understand that in the school life, as in the home, 
they are to strive to please God, to be an honor to Him. 

To shield their children from contaminating in- 
fluences, parents should instruct them in the prin- 
ciples of purity. Those children who in the home 
form habits of obedience and self-control, will have 
little difficulty in their school life, and will escape 
many of the temptations that beset the youth. Par- 
ents should train their children to be true to God 
under all circumstances and in all places. They 
should surround them with influences that tend to 
strengthen charactcF. With such a training, chil- 
dren, when sent away to school, will not be a cause 
of disturbance or anxiety. They will be a support to 
their teachers, and an example and encouragement 
to their fellow-pupils. 

WHAT THE TEACHER SHOULD BE 

In the choice of a teacher for the children, great 
care should be shown. Church-school teachers should 
[150] 



Home and School 151 

be men and women who have a humble estimate of 
themselves, who are not filled with vain conceit. 
They should be faithful workers, filled with the true 
missionary spirit, workers who have learned to put 
their trust in God and to labor in His name. They 
should possess the attributes of Christ's character, — 
patience, kindness, mercy, and love; and into the 
daily experience they should bring the Saviour's 
righteousness and peace. Then, working with fra- 
grant influence, they will give evidence of what grace 
can do through human agents who make God their 
trust. 

Let every church school established be conducted 
with such order that Christ can honor the school- 
room with His presence. The Master will accept no 
cheap, shoddy service. Let teachers be learners, put- 
ting the whole mind to the task of learning how to 
do efficient service. They should ever carry a burden 
for souls — not that they themselves can save souls, 
but as God's helping hand they have the privilege 
of Avinning their pupils to Christ. 

Teachers, let there be no folly in your conversa- 
tion. In the schools you undertake to conduct, set 
a proper example before the children by each morn- 
ing presenting them to God in prayer. Then look 
to Him for strength every hour, and believe that He 
is helping you. As you do this, you will gain the 
affection of the children. It is not such hard work 
to manage children, thank God. We have a Helper, 
one infinitely stronger than we are. 0, I am so 
thankful that we do not have to depend upon our- 
selves, but upon strength from above! 



152 Counsels to Teachers 

If your life is hid with Christ in God, a divine 
Helper will stand beside you, and you will be one 
with the Saviour and one with those you are teach- 
ing. Never exalt self; exalt Christ, glorify Him, 
lionor Him before the world. Say, I stand under the 
])lood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. I am 
wholly on the Lord's side. Show sympathy and ten- 
derness in dealing with your pupils. Reveal the love 
of God. Let the words you speak be kind and en- 
couraging. Then as you work for your students, what 
a transformation will be wrought in the characters 
of those who have not been properly trained in the 
home ! The Lord can make even youthful teachers 
channels for the revealing of His grace, if they will 
consecrate themselves to Him. 

REQUIRING OBEDIENCE 

The teacher should bring true self-respect into all 
that he does. He should not allow himself to be 
quick-tempered. He should not punish harshly chil- 
dren that are in need of reform. Let him understand 
that self must be kept in subjection. He should never 
forget that over him there is a divine Teacher, whose 
pupil he is, and under whose control he is ever to be. 
As the teacher humbles the heart before God, it will 
be softened and subdued by the thought of his own 
shortcomings. He Avill realize something of the 
meaning of the words, "You, that were sometime 
alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, 
yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh 
through death, to present you holy and unblamable 
and unreprovable in His sight." Col. 1:21, 22. 



IIo)ne and School 153 

Sometimes there is in the school a disorderly ele- 
ment that makes the work very hard. Children who 
have not received a right education make much 
trouble, and hy their perversity make the heart of 
the teacher sad. But let him not become discouraged. 
Test and trial bring experience. Tf the children are 
disobedient and unruly, there is all the more need 
of strenuous ett'ort. The fact that there are childi*en 
with such characters is one of the reasons why church 
schools should be established. The children whom 
parents have neglected to educate and discipline must 
be saved if possible. 

In the school as well as in the home there should 
be wise discipline. The teacher must make rules to 
guide the conduct of his pupils. These rules should 
be few and well-considered, and once made the}^ 
should be enforced. Every principle involved in 
them should 'be so placed before the student that he 
will be convinced of its justice. Thus he will feel a 
responsibility to see that the rules which he himself 
has helped to frame are obeyed. 

PARENTS TO STRENGTHEN THE TEACHER ^S HANDS 

The teacher should not be left to carry the burden 
of his w^ork alone. He needs the sympathy, the kind- 
ness, the co-operation, and the love of every church- 
member. The parents should encourage the teacher 
by showing that they appreciate his efforts. Never 
should they say or do anything that will encourage 
insubordination in their children. But I know that 
many parents do not co-operate with the teacher. 
They do not foster in the home the good influence 
exerted in the school. Instead of carrying out in 



154 Counsels to Teachers 

the home the principles of obedience taught in the 
school, they allow their children to do as they please, 
to go hither and thither without restraint. And if 
the teacher exercises authority in requiring obedi- 
ence, the children carry to their parents an exag- 
gerated, distorted account of the way in which they 
have been dealt with. The teacher may have done 
only that which it was his painful duty to do; but 
the parents sympathize with their children, even 
though they are in the wrong. And often those 
parents who themselves rule in anger, are the most 
unreasonable when their children are restrained and 
disciplined in school. 

There are church-members who have been quick to 
catch up unkind suppositions, and to speak dispar- 
agingly of the teacher before other church-members, 
and even in the presence of the children. Some have 
talked freely and l)itterly concerning a teacher with- 
out clearly understanding the difficulty of which they 
were speaking. This should not be. The one who 
thinks that a teacher has done wrong should follow 
the directions given in the Word: ''If thy brother 
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault 
between thee and him alone." Matt. 18:15. Until 
this has been done, no one is justified in telling others 
of a brother's mistakes. 

Parents, when the church-school teacher tries so to 
train and discipline your children that they may gain 
eternal life, do not in their presence criticize his ac- 
tions, even though you may think him too severe. 
If you desire them to give their hearts to the Sav- 
iour, co-operate with the teacher's efforts for their 
salvation. How much l)etter it is for children, in- 



Home and School 155 

stead of hearing criticism, to hear from the lips of 
their mother words of commendation regarding the 
work of the teacher. Such words make lasting im- 
pressions, and influence the children to respect the 
teacher. 

We are not to concern ourselves so much about the 
course that others are following, as about the course 
that we ourselves are following. If the children at- 
tending a church school do not improve in manners, 
the parents should not unduly blame the teacher. 
Rather they should closely examine themselves, to 
see if they are such teachers as God can approve. 
In many cases children are greatly neglected in the 
home, and are more disorderly there than they are 
in the school. If children who for years have been 
left to follow their own inclinations and desires, are 
not led by the efforts of the teacher to live Christ- 
like lives, shall the parents, because of this, set in 
circulation unkind criticisms concerning the teacher? 

God's method of government is an example of how 
children are to be trained. There is no oppression 
in the Lord's service, and there is to be no oppression 
in the home or in the school. Yet neither parents 
nor teachers should allow disregard of their word 
to pass unnoticed. Should they neglect to correct the 
children for doing wrong, God would hold them ac^ 
countable for their neglect. But let them be spar- 
ing of censure. Let kindness be the law of the home 
and of the school. Let the children be taught to 
keep the law of the Lord, and let a firm, loving in- 
fluence restrain them from evil. 

Parents should remember that much more will be 
accomplished by the work of the church school if 



156 Counsels to Teachers 

they themselves realize the advantages that their 
children will obtain in such a school, and unite whole- 
heartedly with the teacher. By prayer, by patience, 
by forbearance, parents can undo much of the wrong 
caused by impatience and unwise indulgence. Let 
parents and teacher take hold of the work together, 
the parents remembering that they themselves will 
be helped by the presence in tlie community oT an 
cai'nest, God-fearing teacher. 

Parents, make every effort in your power to place 
your children in the most favorable situation for 
forming the character that God wants them to form. 
Use every spiritual sinew and muscle in the effort 
to save your little flock. The powers of hell will 
unite for its destruction, but God will lift up for 
you a standard against the enemy. Pray much more 
than you do. Lovingly, tenderly, teach your chil- 
dren to come to God as their heavenly Father. By 
your example teach them self-control and helpful- 
ness. Tell them that Christ lived not to please 
Himself. 

Gather up the rays of divine light that are shining 
upon your pathway. Walk in the light as Christ is 
in the light. As you take hold of the work of help- 
ing your children to serve God, the most provoking 
trials will come ; but do not lose your hold ; cling- 
to Jesus. He says, "Let him take hold of My 
strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he 
shall make peace with Me. L' Isa. 27:5. Difficulties 
will arise; you Avill meet with obstacles; but look 
constantly to Jesus. When an emergency arises, ask, 
Lord, what shall I do now? If you refuse to fret 
or scold, the Lord will show you the way. He Avill 



Home and School 157 

help you to use the talent of speech in so Christ- 
like a way that peace and love will reign in the 
home. By following a consistent course of action, 
you may be evangelists in the home, ministers of 
grace to your children. 

A SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTAND] N(i 

The school work in a place where a church school 
has been establislicd, should never be given up unless 
God plainly directs that this should be done. Adverse 
influences may seem to conspire against the school, 
but with God's help the teacher can do a grand, 
saving work in changing the order of things. If he 
labors patiently, earnestly, perseveringly, in Christ's 
lines, the reformatory work done in the school may 
extend to the homes of the children, bringing into 
them a purer, more heavenly atmosphere. This is 
indeed missionary work of the highest order. 

If parents faithfully act their part, the work of 
the teacher will be. greatly lightened. His hope and 
courage will be increased. Parents whose hearts are 
filled Avith the love of Christ will refrain from find- 
ing fault, and will do all in their power to eucour- 
age and help the one whom they have chosen as 
teachei- for their children. They will be willing to 
believe that he is just as conscientious in his work as 
they are in theirs. 

The teachers in the home and the teachers in the 
school should have a sympathetic understanding of 
one another's work. They should labor together har- 
moniously, imbued with the same missionary spirit, 
striving together to benefit the children physically, 
mentally, and spiritually, and to develop characters 
that will stand the test of temptation. 



HOME SCHOOLS 

As we go forward in establishing church schools, 
we shall find a work to be done for the children in 
places where it has been thought a school could not 
be maintained. As far as possible, all our children 
should have the privilege of a Christian education. 
To provide this we must sometimes establish home 
church schools. It would be well if several families 
in a neighborhood would unite to employ a humble, 
God-fearing teacher to give to the parents that help 
that is needed in educating their children. This will 
be a great blessing to many isolated groups of Sab- 
bath-keepers, and a plan more pleasing to the Lord 
than that which has been sometimes followed, of send- 
ing young children away from their homes to attend 
one of our larger schools. 

Our small companies of Sabbath-keepers are needed 
to hold up the light before their neighbors; and the 
children are needed in their homes, where they may 
be a help to their parents when the hours of study 
are ended. The well-ordered Christian home, where 
young children can have parental discipline that is 
after the Lord's order, is the best place for them. 

The tender yeai:s of childhood are years of heavy 
responsibility for fathers and mothers. Parents have 
a sacred duty to perform in teaching their children 
to help bear the burdens of the home, to be content 
with plain, simple food, and neat, inexpensive dress. 
The requirements of the parents should always be 
reasonable; kindness should be expressed, not by 
[158] 



Home Schools 159 

foolish indulgence, but by wise direction. Parents 
are to teach their children pleasantly, without scold- 
ing or faultfinding, seeking to bind the hearts of 
the little ones to them l)y the silken cords of love. 
Let all, fathers and mothers, teachers, elder brothers 
and sisters, become an educating force to strengthen 
every spiritual interest, and to bring into the home 
and the school life a wholesome atmosphere, which 
will help the younger children to grow up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

BIBLE STUDY IN THE HOME 

Our children are the Lord's property; they have 
been bought with a price. This thought should be 
the mainspring of our labors for them. The most 
successful method of securing their salvation and of 
keeping them out of the way of temptation, is to 
instruct them constantly in the word of God. And 
as parents become learners with their children, they 
will find their own growth in grace and in a knowl- 
edge of the truth more rapid. Unbelief will dis- 
appear; faith and activity will increase; assurance 
and confidence will deepen as they thus follow on to 
know the Lord. Their prayers will undergo a trans- 
formation, becoming more earnest and sincere. Christ 
is the head of His church, the unfailing dependence 
of His people ; He will give the needed grace to those 
who seek Him for wisdom and instruction. 

God would have us consider th^se things in their 
sacred importance. It is the privilege of brothers 
and sisters and parents to co-operate in teaching the 
children how to drink the gladness of Christ's life 
by learning to follow His example. To the older 



160 Counsels to Teachers 

children in these isolated families I will say: It is 
not necessary that all should drop the home responsi- 
bilities to attend our boarding-schools, in order to 
obtain a fitting for service. Remember that right 
in the home there is a work to do for the Master. 
In the home there are the younger children to be 
instructed, and thus relieve the mother's burdens. 

Let the elder members of the family beai' in mind 
that this part of the Lord's vineyard needs to be 
faithfully cultivated, and resolve that they will put 
forth their best capabilities to make home attractive, 
and to deal patiently and wisely with the younger 
children. There are young persons in our homes 
whom the Lord has qualified to give to others the 
knowledge they have gained. Let these strive to keep 
spiritual lessons fresh in mind. And while they are 
teaching, they can also*be studying. Thus they may 
be learners while teaching. New ideas will come to 
them, and the hours of study will be a decided 
.pleasure as well as profit. 

MISSIONARY AGENCIES 

I Speak to fathers and mothers: You can be edu- 
cators in your homes; you can be spiritual mission- 
ary agencies. Let fathers and mothers feel their need 
of ])eing home missionaries, the need of keeping the 
atmosphere of the home free from the influence of 
unkind and hasty speech, the need of making the 
home a place wher^ angels of God can come in and 
bless and give success to the efforts put forth. 

Let parents unite in providing a place for the daily 
instruction of their children, choosing as teacher 
one who is apt to teach, and Avho, as a consecrated 



Home Schools I til 

servant of Christ, will increase in knowledge while 
imparting instruction. Tlie teacher who has con- 
secrated self to the service of God will be a])le to 
do a definite work in missionary service, and will 
instruct the children in the same lines. 

Let fathers and mothers co-operate with the teacher, 
laboring earnestly for the salvation of their children. 
If parents will realize the importance of these small 
educating centers, co-operating to do the work that 
the Lord desires to have done at this time, the 
plans of the enemy for our children will be largely 
frustrated. 



''Train up a child in the way he should go: and 
when he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 
22 : G. Children are sometimes tempted to chafe un- 
der restraint; but in after-life they will bless their 
parents for the faithful care and strict watchful- 
ness that guarded and guided them in their years of 
inexperience. 



By hasty, unfounded criticism the influence of the 
faithful, self-sacrificing teacher is often well-nigh 
destroyed. Many parents whose children have been 
spoiled by indulgence, leave to the teacher the un- 
pleasant task of repairing their neglect; and then 
by their own course they make his task almost hope- 
less. Their criticism and censure of the school man- 
agement encourage insubordination in the children, 
and confirm them in wrong habits. 

If criticism or suggestion in regard to the teach- 
er's work becomes necessary, it should be made to 

11 — Counsels 



162 Couusds to Teaclicm 

Jiim in private. If this proves inefiective, let the 
matter be referred to those who are responsible for 
the management of the school. Nothing should be 
said or done to weaken the children's respect for the 
one upon whom their well-being in so great degree 
depends. — ''Education," p. 284. 



Parents should keep ever before their minds the 
object to be gained, — the perfection of the charac- 
ters of their children. Those parents who educate 
their children aright, weeding from their lives every 
unruly trait, are fitting them to become missionaries 
for Christ in truth, in righteousness, in holiness. He 
w^ho in his childhood does service for God, adding to 
his ''faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to 
knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; 
and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly 
kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity" (2 Peter 
1:5-7), is fitting himself to hear and to respond to 
the call, "Child, come up higher; enter the higher 
school.'' 

Do you think we shall not learn anything there? 
We have not the slightest idea of what will then be 
opened before us. With Christ we shall walk beside 
the living waters. He will unfold to us the beauty 
and glory of nature. He will reveal what He is to 
us, and what we are to Him. Truth we cannot 
know now, because of finite limitations, we shall 
know hereafter. 



Neither the church school nor the college affords the 
opportunities for establishing a child's character- 
building upon the right foundation that are afforded 
in the home. 



The Home School 



163 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



The Child's First School 



P. and P., pp. 140-144, 260, 

560-562, 574-580. 
D. of A., pp. 511-517. 
Acts, pp. 203-205. 
M. of H., pp. 349-394. 
Test. Vol. 1, pp. 384-405. 
Test. Vol. 3, pp. 532, 533. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 197-213. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 36^5, 319- 

331, 423, 424. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 93, 94. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 47, 48. 



Safeguarding the Young 



P. and P., pp. 168, 169. 

Test. Vol. 1, pp. 156, 157, 216- 

220, 390-405, 546, 547. 
Test. Vol. 3, pp. 560-570. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 134-143. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 17, 27, 63. 



What Shall Our Children 
Read? 



Ed., p. 227. 

P. and P., p. 504. 

Test. Vol. 1, pp. 125, 126, 134, 

135 504 
Test. Vol. 2, pp. 236, 410. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 497-499. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 516-520. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 164r-166. 



Teaching Lessons ov 
Helpfulness 



Test. Vol. 1, pp. 393-395. 
Test. Vol. 2, pp. 182, 369-371. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 96-98. 



Co-operation Between the 
Home and the School 



Ed., pp. 283-286. 



THE CHURCH SCHOOL 



Where is the flock that 
was given thee, thv beau- 
tiful floekr' 



OUR RESPONSIBILITY 

Nothing is of greater importance than the educa- 
tion of our children and young people. The church 
should arouse, and manifest a deep interest in this 
work; for now as never before, Satan and his host 
are determined to enlist the youth under the black 
banner that leads to ruin and death. 

God has appointed the church as a watchman, to 
have a jealous care over the youth and children, and 
as a sentinel to see the approach of the enemy and 
give warning of danger. But the church does not 
realize the situation. She is sleeping on guard. In 
this time of peril, fathers and mothers must arouse 
and work as for life, or many of the youth will l)e 
forever lost. 

While we should put forth earnest efforts for the 
masses of the people around us, and push the Avork 
into foreign fields, no amount of labor in this line 
can excuse us for neglecting the education of our 
children and youth. They are to be trained to be- 
come workers for God. Both parents and teachers, 
by precept and example, are so to instil the prin- 
ciples of truth and honesty into the minds and hearts 

[165] 



166 Counsels to Teachers 

of the young, that they will become men and women 
who are as true as steel to God and His cause. 

Parents and teachers do not estimate the mag- 
nitude of the work given them in training the young. 
The experience of the children of Israel was written 
for us ' ' upon whom the ends of the world are come. ' ' 
1 Cor. 10:11. As in their day, so now the Lord 
would, have the children gathered out from those 
schools W'here worldly influences prevail, and placed 
in our own schools, where the word of God is made 
the foundation of education. 

If ever we are to work in earnest, it is now. The 
enemy is pressing in on all sides, like a flood. Only 
the power of God can save our children from being 
swept aw- ay by the tide of evil. The responsibility 
resting upon parents, teachers, and church-members, 
to do their part in co-operation wnth God, is greater 
than words can express. 

To train the young to become true soldiers of the 
Lord Jesus Christ is the most noble work ever given 
to man. Only devout and consecrated men and 
women, who love children and can see in them souls 
to be saved for the Master, should be chosen as church- 
school teachers. Teachers who study the word of 
God as it should be studied, wdll know something of 
the value of the souls under their care, and from them 
the children will receive a true Christian education. 

In the closing scenes of this earth's history, many 
of these children and youth will astonish people by 
their witness to the truth, which will be borne in sim- 
plicity, yet with spirit and power. They have been 
taught the fear of the Lord, and their hearts have 
been softened by a careful and prayerful study of 



Our RfsponsihilUy 16? 

the Bible, hi (lie near future, many ehildren will 
he endued witli the Spirit of God, and will do a work 
in proclaiming the truth to the world, that at that 
time cannot well be done by the older members of 
the church. 

The Lord would use the church school as an aid 
to the parents in educating and preparing their 
children for this time before us. Then let the church 
take hold of the school work in earnest, and make it 
what the Lord desires it to be. 



■<s)- 



We cannot afford to separate spiritual from intel- 
lectual training. Well may parents dread intellec- 
tual greatness for their children, unless it is balanced 
by a knowledge of God and His ways. This lies at 
the foundation of all true knowledge. In the place 
of unsanctified rivalry for earthly honor, let it be 
the highest ambition of our students to go forth 
from their school life as missionaries for God, edu- 
cators who will teach what they have learned. Stu- 
dents who leave school with this purpose will draw 
to Christ not only men and women, but children and 
youth. They will do a work in the world that not 
all the powers of evil can counteract. 

Teachers, awake to your responsibilities, your privi- 
leges. Well may you inquire. Who is sufficient for 
these things? ''My grace is sufficient for thee" 
(2 Cor. 12: 9) is the assurance of the great Teacher. 
If you leave Him out of the question, seeking not 
His aid, hopeless indeed is your task. But in His 
wisdom and strength you may nobly succeed. 



THE WORK TO BE DONE FOR OUR 
CHILDREN 

I have been pointed to the churches that are scat- 
tered in different localities, and have been shown 
that the strength of these churches depends upon 
their growth in usefulness and efficiency. . . . In 
all our churches there should be schools, and teach- 
ers in these schools who are missionaries. It is es- 
sential that teachers be trained to act well their part 
in the^ important work of educating the children of 
Sabbath-keepers, not only in the sciences, but in the 
Scriptures. These schools, established in different 
localities, and conducted by God-fearing men or 
women, as the case demands, should be built on the 
same principles as were the schools of the prophets. 

Special care should be given to the education of 
the youth. The children are to be trained to become 
missionaries; they must be helped to understand dis- 
tinctly what they must do to be saved. Few have the 
instruction in religious lines that is essential. If the 
instructors have a religious experience themselves, 
they Avill be able to communicate to their students 
the knowledge of the love of God that they have re- 
ceived. These lessons can be given only by those 
who are themselves truly converted. This is the 
noblest missionary work that any man or woman 
can undertake. 

When very young, children should be educated to 
read, to write, to understand figures, to keep their 

[168] 



M'ork for Our Children 169 

own accounts, Tliey may go forward, advancing step 
by step in this knowledge. Hut ])ei"ore everything 
else, tlicy should he 1;mght that the fear of the Lord 
is the beginning oC wisdom. They should be edu- 
cated line upon line, precept upon precept, here a 
little and there a little; but the one aim before the 
teacher should be to educate the children to know 
God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. 

Teach the youth that sin in any line is defined in 
the Scriptures as ''transgression of the law." 1 John 
o : 4. . . . Teach them in simple language that they 
must be obedient to their parents, and give their 
hearts to God. Jesus Christ is waiting to accept and 
bless them, if they will only come to Him and ask 
Him to pardon all their transgressions, and take 
away their sins. And when they ask Him to pardon 
all their transgressions, they must believe that He 
does it. 

God wants every child of tender age to be His 
child, to be adopted into His family. Young though 
they may be, the youth may be members of the house- 
hold of faith, and have a most precious experience. 
They may have hearts that are tender, and ready to 
receive impressions that will be lasting. They may 
have their hearts drawn out in confidence and love 
for Jesus, and live for the Saviour. Christ will make 
them little missionaries. The whole current of their 
thought may be changed, so that sin will not appear 
a thing to be enjoyed, but to be shunned and hated. 

Small children, as well as those who are older, will 
be benefited by this instruction; and in thus simpli- 
fying the plan of salvation, the teachers will receive 
as great blessings as those who are taught. The Holy 



no Couiufh to Teacherfi 

Spirit of God will impress the lessons upon the re- 
ceptive minds of the children, that they may grasp 
the ideas of Bible truth in their simplicity. And 
the Lord will give an experience to these children in 
missionary lines; He will suggest to them lines of 
thought that even the teachers did not have. The 
children who are properly instructed will he wit- 
nesses to the truth. 

Teachers who are nervous ,and easily irritated 
should not be placed over the youth. They must 
love the children because they are the younger mem- 
bers of the Lord's family. The Lord will inquire of 
them, as of the parents, "Where is the flock that was 
given thee, thy beautiful flock?" Jer. 13 : 20. . . . 

In educating the children and youth, teachers 
should not allow one passionate word or gesture to 
mar their work, for in so doing they imbue the 
students with the same spirit which they themselves 
possess. The Lord would have our primary schools, 
as well as those for older students, of that character 
that angels of God can walk through the room, and 
behold, in the order and principle of government, 
the order and government of heaven. This is thought 
by many to be impossible; l)ut every school should 
begin with this, and work most earnestly to preserve 
the spirit of Christ in temper, in communications, in 
instruction, the teacliers placing themselves in the 
channel of light where the Lord can use them as 
His agents to reflect His own likeness of character. 
The students may know that, as God-fearing in- 
structors, they have helpers every hour to impress 
upon the hearts of the children the valuable lessons 
given. 



Work for Our Children 171 

The Lord works with every cousecrated teacher; 
ami it is for the teacher's own interest for him to 
realize this. Instructors who are under the discipline 
of God receive grace and truth and light through the 
Holy Spirit to communicate to the children. They 
are under the greatest Teacher the world has ever 
known, and how unbecoming it would be for them to 
have an unkind spirit, a sharp voice, full of irrita- 
tion. In tliis they would perpetuate their own defects 
in the children. 

for a clear perception of what we might accom- 
plish if we would learn of Jesus! The springs of 
heavenly peace and joy, unsealed in the soul of the 
teacher by the magic words of inspiration, will be- 
come a mighty river of influence, to bless all who 
connect with him. 

Do not think that the Bible wall become a tiresome 
book to the children. Under a wise instructor the 
word will become more and more desirable. It will 
be to them as th'e bread of life, it Avill never grow 
old. There is in it a freshness and beauty that at- 
tract and charm the children and youth. It is like 
the sun shining upon the earth, giving its brightness 
and warmth, yet never exhausted. By lessons from 
Bible history and doctrine, the children and youth 
can learn that all other books are inferior to this. 
They can find here a fountain of mercy and love. 

God's holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A 
light, a new and precious light, shines forth from 
every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and 
sentences are made bright and appropriate for the 
occasion, as the voice of God speaking to them. 



172 Counsels to Teachers 

"We need to recognize the Holy Spirit as our en- 
lightenei*. That Spirit loves to address the children, 
and discover to them the treasures and beauties of 
the Word. The promises spoken by the great Teacher 
will captivate the senses and animate the soul of the 
child with a spiritual power that is divine. There 
will grow in the receptive mind a familiarity with 
divine things which will be as a barricade against 
the temptations of the enemy. 

The work of teachers is an important one. They 
should make the word of God their meditation. God 
will communicate by His own Spirit with the soul. 
Pray as you study, "Open Thou mine eyes, that I 
may behold wondrous things out of Thy law." Ps. 
119 : 18. When the teacher Avill rely upon God in 
prayer, the Spirit of Christ will come upon him, and 
God will work through him by the Holy Spirit upon 
the mind of the student. The Holy Spirit fills mind 
and heart with hope and courage and Bible imagery, 
which will be communicated to the student. The 
words of truth will grow in importance, and will 
assume a breadth and fulness of lueaning of which 
he has never dreamed. The beauty and virtue of the 
word of God have a transforming influence upon mind 
and character; the sparks of heavenly love will fall 
upon the hearts of the children as an inspiration. 
We may bring hundreds and thousands of children 
to Christ if we will work for them. — ^^ Special Testi- 
mony to the Battle Creek Church;*' ivritten at Coor- 
anhong, N. S. W., Australia, Dec. 15, 1897. 



THE WORK OF THE CHURCH SCHOOL 

The church has a special work to do in educating 
and training its children that they may not, in at- 
tending school or in any other association, be influ- 
enced by those of corrupt habits. The world is full 
of iniquity and disregard of the requirements of God. 
The cities have become as Sodom, and our children 
are dail}^ exposed to many evils. Those Avho attend 
the public schools often associate with others more 
neglected than they, those who, aside from the time, 
spent in the schoolroom, are left to obtain a street 
education. The hearts of the young are easily im- 
pressed; and unless their surroundings are of the 
right character, Satan will use these neglected chil- 
dren to influence those who are more carefully 
trained. Thus, before Sabbath-keeping parents know 
Avhat is being done, the lessons of depravity are 
learned, and the souls of their little ones are cor- 
rupted. ... 

CHURCH SCHOOLS NEEDED 

Many families, who, for the purpose of educating 
their children, move to places where our large schools 
are established, would do better service for the Mas- 
ter by remaining where they are. They should en- 
courage the church of which they are members to 
establish a church school where the children within 
their borders could receive an all-round, practical 
Christian education. It would be vastly better for 
their children, for themselves, and for the cause of 

[1731 



174 Counsels to Teachers 

God, if they would remam in the smaller churches, 
where their help is needed, instead of going to the 
larger churches, where, because they are not needed, 
there is a constant temptation to fall into spiritual 
i nactivity. 

Wherever there are a few Sabbath-keepers, the 
parents should unite in providing a place for a day 
school where their children and youth can be in- 
structed. They should employ a Christian teacher, 
who, as a consecrated missionary, shall educate the 
children in such a way as to lead them to become 
missionaries. . . . 

THE CHARACTER OF CHURCH SCHOOLS AND OF 
THEIR TEACHERS 

The character of the work done in our church 
schools should be of the very highest order. Jesus 
Christ, the Restorer, is the only remedy for a wrong 
education, and the lessons taught in His word should 
ever be kept before the youth in the most attractive 
form. The school discipline should supplement the 
home training, and both at home and at school sim- 
plicity and godliness should be maintained. Men and 
women will l)e found who have talent to work in 
these small schools, but v/ho cannot work to ad- 
vantage in the larger ones. As they practise the 
Bible lessons, they will themselves receive an edu- 
cation of. the highest value. 

In selecting teachers, we should use every precau- 
tion, knowing that this is as solemn a matter as the 
selecting of persons for the ministry. Wise men 
who can discern character should make the selec- 



Work of Ihp Chiirrh School 175 

lion; I'or the veiy best lalent that can be secured is 
needed to educate and mould the minds of the young, 
and to carry on successfully the many lines of work 
that will need to be done by the teachers in our 
church schools. No person of an inferior or narrow 
cast of mind should be placed in charge of one of 
these schools. Do not place over the children young, 
inexperienced teachers who have no managing abil- 
ity; for their efforts will tend to disorganization. 
Order is heaven's first law, and every school should 
in this respect be a model of heaven. 

To place over young children teachers who are 
proud and unloving, is wicked. A teacher of this 
stamp will do great harm to those who are rapidly 
developing character. If teachers are not submis- 
sive to God, if they have no love for the children 
over whom they preside, or if they show^ partiality 
for those w^ho please their fancy, and manifest in- 
difference to those who are less attractive, or to those 
who are restless and nervous, they should not be em- 
ployed; for the result of their work will be a loss 
of souls for Christ. 

Teachers are needed, especially for the children, 
who are calm and kind, manifesting forbearance and 
love for the very ones who most need it. Jesus loved 
the children. . . . He always treated them with 
kindness and respect, and teachers are to follow 
His example. They should have the true mission- 
ary spirit; for the children are to be trained to 
become missionaries. 

Our church schools need teachers who have high 
moral qualities; those who can be trusted; those who 
are sound in the faith, and wdio have tact and pa- 



17G Counsels io Teachers 

tience; those who walk with God, and abstain from 
llic very appearance of evil. . . . 

RESULTS OF ClIURCH-SCHOOL ^VOKK 

When properly conducted, church schools will be 
the means of lifting the standard of truth in the 
places Avhere they are estal)lished; for children who 
are receiving a Christian education will be witnesses 
for Christ. As Jesus in the temple solved mysteries 
which priests and rulers had not discerned, so in 
the closing work of this earth, children who have 
been rightly educated will in their simplicity speak 
words which will be an astonishment to men who now 
talk of "higher education." 

As the children sang in the temple courts, ''Ho- 
sanna ! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the 
Lord" (Mark 11: 9), so in these last days, children's 
voices will be raised to give the last message of 
warning to a perishing world. When heavenly in- 
telligences see that men are no longer permitted to 
present the truth, the Spirit of God will come upon 
the children, and they will do a work in the procla- 
mation of the truth which the older workers cannot 
do, because their way will ])e hedged up. 

Our church schools are ordained ])y God to pre- 
pare the children for this great work. Here children 
are to be instructed in the special truths for this 
time, and in practical missionary work. They are 
to enlist in the army of workers to help the sick 
and the suffering. Children can take part in the 
medical missionary work, and by their jots and tit- 
tles can help to carry it forward. Their investments 
may be small, but every little helps, and by their 



^york of the Church School 177 

efforts many souls will be won to the truth. By 
them God's messagre will be made known, and His 
saving health to all nations. Then let the church 
carry a burden for the lambs of the flock. Let the 
children be educated and trained to do service for 
God; for they are the Lord's heritage. — ^'Testimo- 
nies for the Church," Vol VI, pp. 193-203. 



The system of grading is sometimes a hindrance 
to the pupil's real progress. Some pupils are slow 
at first, and the teacher of these youth needs to ex- 
ercise great patience. But these pupils may after 
a short time learn so rapidly as to astonish him. 
Others may appear to be very brilliant, but time may 
sliow^ that they have blossomed too suddenly. The 
system of confining children rigidly to grades is 
not wise. 



The importance of the teacher's physical qualifi- 
cations can hardly be overestimated; for the more 
perfect his health, the more perfect w^ill be his labor. 
The mind cannot be clear to think and strong to act 
when the physical powers are suffering the results of 
feebleness or disease. The heart is impressed through 
the mind; but if, because of physical inability, the 
mind loses its vigor, the channel to the higher feel- 
ings and motives is to that extent obstructed, and 
the teacher is less able to discriminate between right 
and wrong. When suffering the results of ill health, 
it is not an easy matter to be patient and cheerful, 
or to act with integrity and justice. 

12 — Counsels 



CHRIST AS THE EXAMPLE AND TEACHER 
OF YOUTH 

Tlie example of Jesus is a light to the young, as 
well as to those of more mature years; for His was 
a representative childhood and youtli. From His 
earliest years His example was perfect. As a little 
child He was obedient to His parents, and to the 
laws of nature; "and the grace of God was upon 
Him." Luke 2:40. 

Jesus did not, like many youth, devote His time to 
amusement. He studied the Word until He became 
familiar with its sayings. Even in His childhood. 
His life and all His habits were in harmony with 
the Scriptures, and He was skilful in their use. 
. . . Besides the written Word, Jesus studied the 
book of nature, finding delight in the beautiful 
things of His own creation. He was in sympathy 
with humanity in all its varied joys and sorrows. 
He identified Himself with all, — with the weak and 
helpless, the lowly, the needy, and the afflicted. 

In His teaching, Christ drew His illustrations from 
the great treasury of household ties and affections, 
and from nature. The unknown was illustrated by 
the known; sacred and divine truths, by natural, 
earthly things, with which the people were most 
familiar. These were the things that would speak to 
their hearts, and make the deepest impression on 
their minds. 

The words of Christ placed the teachings of na- 
ture in a new aspect, and made them a new reve- 
[178] 



Christ as the Example and Teacher 179 

lation. He could speak of the things which I lis own 
hands had made; for they had qualities and prop- 
erties that were peculiarly His own. In nature, as 
in the sacred pages of the Old Testament Scrip- 
tures, divine, momentous truths are revealed; and in 
His teaching, Jesus laid these open before the people, 
bound up with the beauty of natural things. . . . 

As interpreted by Jesus, flower and shrub, the 
seed sown and the seed harvested, contained lessons 
of truth, as did also the plant that springs out of 
the earth. He plucked the beautiful lily, and placed 
it in the hands of children and youth; and as they 
looked into His own youthful face, fresh with the 
sunlight of His Father's countenance. He gave the 
lesson, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they 
grow [in the simplicity of natural beauty and love- 
liness] ; they toil not, neither do they spin : and yet 
I say unto you. That even Solomon in all his glory 
was not arrayed like one of these." Then followed 
the assurance, "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass 
of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow^ is cast 
into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, 
ye of little faith?" Matt. 6 : 28-30. . . . 

In His w^ork as a public teacher, Christ never lost 
sight of the children. When wearied with the bustle 
and confusion of the crowded city, tired of contact 
with crafty and hypocritical men, His spirit found 
rest and peace in the society of innocent little chil- 
dren. His presence never repelled them. His large 
heart of love could comprehend their trials and ne- 
cessities, and find happiness in their simple joys; 
and He took them in His arms and blessed them. 



180 Counsels to Teachers 

In these children who were brought in contact 
with Him, Jesus saw the future men and women who 
should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His 
kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs 
for His sake. He knew that these children would 
listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far 
more readily than would the grown people, many 
of whom were worldly-wise and hard-hearted. In His 
teaching He came down to their level. He, the 
Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their 
questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet 
their childish understanding. He planted in their 
expanding minds the seeds of truth, which in after- 
years would spring up and bear fruit unto eternal 
life. 

Parents and teachers, Jesus is still saying, ''Suffer 
little children, and forbid them not, to come unto 
Me." Matt. 19:14. They are the most susceptible 
to the teachings of Christianity; their hearts are 
open to influences of piety and^ virtue, and strong 
to retain the impressions received. — "Special Testi- 
monies on Education/' pp. 62-66; written May 17, 
1896. 



To develop the minds and hearts of the youth, and 
not hinder their growth by an unwarranted control 
of one mind over another, requires tact and under- 
standing. Teachers are needed who are able to deal 
wisely with the different phases of character; who 
are quick to see and to make the most of opportuni- 
ties to do good ; Avho possess enthusiasm, who are 
"apt to teach," and who can inspire thought, quicken 
energy, and impart courage. 



THE BIBLE LESSON 

In all that men have written, where can be found 
anything that has such a hold upon the heart, any- 
thing so well adapted to awaken the interest of the 
little ones, as the stories of the Bible? In these 
simple stories may be made plain the great prin- 
ciples of the law of God. Thus by illustrations best 
suited to the child's comprehension, parents and 
teachers may begin very early to fultil tlie Lord's 
injunction concerning His precepts: "Thou shalt 
teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt 
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and 
when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest 
down, and when thou risest up." Deut. 6:7. 

The use of object-lessons, blackboards, and maps 
will be an aid in explaining these lessons, and fixing 
them in the memory. Parents and teachers should 
constantly seek for improved methods. The teach- 
ing of the Bible shoidd have our freshest thought, 
our best methods, and our most earnest effort. 

In order to do effective study, the interest of the 
child must be enlisted. Especially by the one who 
has to do with children and youth differing widely 
in disposition, training, and habits of thought, this 
is a matter not to be lost sight of. In teaching chil- 
dren the Bible, we may gain much by observing the 
bent of their minds, the things in which they are in- 
terested, and by arousing their interest to see what 
the Bible says about these things. He who created 
us with our various aptitudes, has in His word given 

[181] 



1<S2 (^o)i)i,^cls in Tfaclievfi 

something' for every one. As the pupils see that 
the lessons of the Bible apply to their own lives, 
teach them to look to it as a counselor. 

Help them also to appreciate its wonderful beauty. 
Many^ooks of no value, books that are exciting and 
iinhealthful, are recommended, or at least permitted 
to l)e used, because of their supposed literary value. 
Why should we direct our children to drink of these 
polluted streams, when they may have free access to 
the pure fountains of the word of God? The Bible 
has a fulness, a strength, a depth of meaning, that is 
inexhaustible. Encourage the children and youth to 
seek out its treasures, both of thought and of ex- 
pression. 

As the beauty of these precious things attracts 
their minds, a softening, subduing power will touch 
their hearts. They will be drawn to Him who has 
thus revealed Himself to them. And there are few 
who will not desire to know more of His works and 
ways. 

THE VICTORY OF FAITH 

There is much to be learned by the children and 
youth in regard to early piety. ''This is the victory 
that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 
5 : 4. That faith must not be led to embrace super- 
stitious, fictitious sentiments. Leave out such ideas 
from your teaching, and give the children and youth 
the same kind of instruction that Christ gave, — les- 
sons of faith in a plain "Thus saith the Lord." 

The work of conquering evil is to be done through 
faith. Those who go into the battle-field will find 
that they must put on the whole armor of God. The 
shield of faith will be their defense, and will enable 



Thr nihh l.rssoii ISM 

tlieiu to be more tliau couqiierors. Nothing else will 
avail but this, — faith in the Lord ol* hosts, and obe- 
dience to His orders. Vast armies furnislied with 
every other facility will avail nothing in the last 
great conHict. Without faith, an angel host could 
not Ju'lp. Living faith alone will make them in- 
vincible, and enable them to stand in the evil day, 
steadfast, unmovable, holding the beginning of their 
confidence firm unto the end. 

Young men and women who do not give evidence 
that the truth has begun its sanctifying work upon 
their hearts, will make a failure in attempting to 
teach any church school. None are to choose the 
easiest place, and seek to understand only that which 
pleases of the word of God, obeying those things 
which harmonize wdth their desires, and excusing 
themselves from accepting that which cuts across 
inclination, and calls for self-denial and cross- 
bearing. Especially should teachers of the children 
and youth be learners of the way of obedience. True 
faith asks the Lord, "What wilt Thou have me to 
do ? " and w^hen the way is marked out by the Master, 
faith is ready to do His will, at whatever hardship 
or sacrifice. 

Teachers, study the simplicity of the Scriptures, 
so that you may learn to make their truths plain to 
youthful minds. Your earnest desire for the present 
and eternal good of the children under your care 
should bring you often to your knees to seek counsel 
of Him w^ho is too wise to err, too good to leave you 
in the helplessness of your ow^n wisdom. 

Bible instruction is to be made forcible by the 
holy life of the teacher. God-fearing teachers wdll 



184 Counsels to Teachers 

practise every principle they seek to imprint on the 
luinds of the children. Such teachers do not see their 
heavenly Father except hy the eye of fnith; l)nt they 
have learned of Hiui ; they read His love in the most 
trying dispensations. They do not judge their Cre- 
ator by dispensations; they are partakers of His 
divine nature. They can trust Him who withheld 
not His only begotten Son, knowing that with Him 
He will give all things for their spiritual and eter- 
nal good. 



If the teacher has learned his lessons from Jesus 
Christ, and has learned for the purpose of bringing 
these lessons fully into his own life, he can teach suc- 
cessfully. Those who are daily learners of the great 
Teacher, will have a most precious treasure-house 
from which to draw things new and old. 

To church-school teachers I would say: Know that 
you are controlled by the Holy Spirit. Reveal in 
your lives " the transforming influence of the truth. 
Do your utmost to improve your own capabilities, 
that you may teach your students how to make im- 
provement. 

As soon as your minds harmonize with the mind 
of God, you will be ])roug]it into touch with an 
intelligence that will communicate to you lessons 
tliat will be of invaluable help in your work of teach- 
ing. As you tell the children the story of the cross, 
your own souls will be lifted above gloom and de- 
spondency. In considering the Redeemer's infinite 
sacrifice, you will lose all desire for the things of 
this world. 



TEACHING FRO^E NATURE 

While the I^ii)le should hold the first plaee in the 
education of children and youth, the hook of nature 
is next in importance. God's created works testify 
to His love and power. He has called the world into 
being, with all that it contains. God is a lover of 
the beautiful; and in the world which He has fitted 
up for us He has not only given us everything neces- 
sary for our comfort, but He has filled the heavens 
and the earth with beauty. We see His love and 
care in the rich fields of autumn, and His smile in 
the glad sunshine. His hand has made the castle-like 
rocks and the towering mountains. The lofty trees 
grow at His command; He has spread earth's green 
velvet carpet, and dotted it with shrubs and floAvers. 

Why has He clothed the earth and trees with liv- 
ing green, instead of with dark, somber brown? Is 
it not that they may be more pleasing to the eyef 
And shall not our hearts be filled with gratitude as 
we read the evidences of His wisdom and love in the 
wonders of His creation? 

The same creative energy that brought the world 
into existence is still exerted in upholding the uni- 
verse and continuing the operations of nature. The 
hand of God guides the planets in their orderly march 
through the heavens. It is not because of inherent 
power that year by year the earth continues her 
motion round the sun, and produces her bounties. 
The word of God controls the elements. He covers 
the heavens with clouds, and prepares rain for the 
earth. He makes the valleys fruitful, and "grass 
to grow upon the mountains. ' ' Ps. 147 : 8. It is 

[185] 



18f) (!oun,<^els to Teadlierfi 

through His power that vegetation flourishes, that 
the leaves appear, and the flowers bloom. 

The whole natural world is designed to be an in- 
terpreter of the things of God. To Adam and Eve 
in their Eden home, nature was full of the knowl- 
edge of God, teeming with divine instruction. To 
tlieir attentive ears it was vocal with tlie voice of 
wisdom. Wisdom spoke to the eye, and was received 
into the heart; for they communed with God in His 
created works. As soon as the holy pair transgressed 
the law of the Most High, the brightness from the 
face of God departed from the face of nature. 
Nature is now marred and defiled by sin. But 
God's object-lessons are not obliterated; even now, 
rightly studied and interpreted, she speaks of her 
Creator. . . . 

The most effective way to teach the heathen who 
know not God, is through His works. In this way, 
far more readily than by any other method, they can 
1)0 made to realize the difference between their idols, 
the works of their own hands, and the true God, the 
Maker of heaven and earth. . . . There is a sim- 
plicity and purity in these lessons direct from nature 
that makes them of the highest value to others be- 
sides the heathen. The children and youth, all classes 
of students, need the lessons to be derived from this 
source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the 
soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and 
toward purity, peace, and God. 
x^' For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good 
Vwork for children and youth. It brings them into 
direct contact with nature and nature's God. And 
that they may have this advantage, there should be, 



Tenchhuf from S a hi re 187 

as I'nr as i)i;ssil)l(\ in couuectiuii with oui' scliools, 
large tluwer j^ardeiis and exteusive lands lor cul- 
tivation. 

An education amid such surroundings is in ac- 
cordance with the directions which God has given 
for the instruction of youth ; but it is in direct con- 
trast with the methods employed in the majority of 
schools. . . . The minds of the young have been oc- 
cupied with books of science and philosophy, where 
the thorns of skepticism have been only partially 
concealed; with vague, fanciful fairy stories; or with 
the works of authors who, although they may write 
on Scripture subjects, weave in their own fanciful 
interpretations. The teaching of such books is as 
seed sown in the heart. It grows and bears fruit, 
and a plentiful harvest of infidelity is reaped. The 
result is seen in the depravity of the human family. 

A return to simpler methods will be appreciated 
by the children and youth. Work in the garden and 
field wdll be an agreeable change from the w^earisome 
routine of abstract lessons to w-hich the young minds 
should never be confined. To the nervous child or 
youth, wdio finds lessons from books exhausting and 
hard to remember, it wall be especially valuable. 
There is health and happiness for him in the study 
of nature; and the impressions made will not fade 
out of his mind, for they will be associated with 
objects that are continually before his eyes. 

In the natural world, God has placed in the hands 
of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure- 
house of His word. The unseen is illustrated by the 
seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are 
understood by the things that God has made. Then 



188 (Jon7isels to Teachers 

let the children and youth become acquainted with 
nature and nature's laws. Let the mind be devel- 
oped to its utmost capacity, and the physical powers 
trained for the practical duties of life, l^ut teach 
them also that God has made this world fair because 
He delights in our happiness; and that a more beau- 
tiful home is preparing for us in that world where 
there will be no more sin. The word of God declares: 
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en- 
tered into the heart of man, tlie things which God 
liath prepared for them that love Ilim. " 1 Cor. 2: 1). 

The little children should come especially close to 
nature. Instead of putting fashion's sliackles upon 
them, let them be free like the lambs, to play in the 
sweet, fresh sunlight. Point them to shrubs and 
flowers, the lowly grass and the lofty trees, and let 
them become familiar witli their beautiful, varied, 
and delicate forms. Teach them to see the wisdom 
and love of God in His created works; and as their 
hearts swell with joy and grateful love, let them 
join the birds in their songs of praise. 

Educate the children and youth to consider the 
works of the great Master-artist, and to imitate the 
attractive graces of nature in their character-build- 
ing. As the love of God wins their hearts, let them 
bring into tlieir lives the l)eauty of holiness. So 
shall they use their capabilities to bless others and 
to honor God. — '^Special Testimonies on Education,'' 
pp. 58-6.2; ivritten May 20, 1896. 



Nature is full of lessons of the love of God. 
Rightly understood, these lessons lead to the Crea- 



Teachhig from Nature 189 

tor. They point from nature to nature's God, 
teaching: tliose siiHi)le, lioly truths tliat (cleanse the 
mind, and })rin^' it into elose touch with Cod. 

The great Teacher calls on nature to retiect the 
light that floods the threshold of heaven, that men 
and women may be led to obey His word. And na- 
ture does the bidding of the Creator. To the heart 
softened by the grace of God, the sun, the moon, the 
stars, the lofty trees, the flowers of the field, utter 
their words of counsel and advice. The sowing of 
the seed carries tlie mind to spiritual seed-sowing. 
The tree stands forth declaring that a good tree can- 
not bear evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bear 
good fruit. ''Ye shall know them by their fruits." 
Matt. 7:16. Even the tares have a lesson to teach. 
They are of Satan's sowing, and if left unchecked, 
will spoil the wheat by their rank growth. 

When man is reconciled to God, the things of 
nature speak to him in words of heavenly wisdom, 
bearing testimony to the eternal truth of God's w^ord. 
As Christ tells us the meaning of the things in 
nature, the science of true religion flashes forth, ex- 
plaining the relation of the law of God to the natural 
and the spiritual world. 



The swallow and the crane observe the changes of 
the seasons. They migrate from one country to an- 
other to find a climate suitable to their convenience 
and happiness, as the Lord designed they should. 
They are obedient to the law^s which govern their 
life. But the beings formed in the image of God 
fail to honor Him by obeying the laws of nature. 
By disregarding the law%s that govern the human 



190 Counsels to Teachers 

organism, they disqualify themselves for serving God. 
He sends them warnings to beware how they break 
His law in breaking the laws of life; but habit is 
strong, and they will not heed. The days are filled 
with pain of body and disquietude of mind because 
they are determined to follow wrong habits and 
practices. They will not reason from cause to ef- 
fect, and they sacrifice health, peace, and happiness 
to their ignorance and selfishness. 

The wise man addresses the indolent in the words: 
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, 
and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or 
ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gath- 
ereth her food in the harvest. ' ' Prov. 6 : 6-8. The 
habitations that the ants build for themselves show 
skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a 
time can they handle, but by diligence and perse- 
verance they accomplish wonders. 

Solomon points to the industry of the ant as a 
reproach to those who waste their hours in idleness 
or in practices that corrupt soul and body. The ant 
prepares for future seasons; but many gifted with 
reasoning powers fail to prepare for the future im- 
mortal life. 



The sun, the moon, the stars, the solid rocks, the 
flowing stream, the broad, restless ocean, teach les- 
sons that all would do well to heed. 



-UNDER DISCIPLINE TO CHRIST 

Every teacher wlio lias to do with the education of 
yoLiug students sliouhl reiueui])er that chihlren are 
alt'ected by the atmosphere that surrounds the teacher, 
wliether it be pleasant or unpleasant. If tlie teacher 
is connected with God, if Christ abides in his lieart, 
the spirit that is cherished by him will be felt by the 
children. If teachers enter the schoolroom with a 
provoked, irritated spirit, the atmosphere surround- 
ing their souls will also leave its impression. 

The teachers who work in this part of the Lord's 
vineyard need to be self-possessed, to keep their 
temper and feelings under control, and in subjection 
to the Holy Spirit. They should give evidence of 
having, not a one-sided experience, but a well- 
balanced mind, a symmetrical character. Learning 
daily in the school of Christ, such teachers can 
wisely educate the children and youth. Self-cultured, 
self-controlled, under discipline to Christ, having a 
living connection with the great Teacher, they will 
have an intelligent knowledge of practical religion; 
and keeping their own souls in the love of God, they 
will know how to exercise the grace of patience and 
Christlike forbearance. They will discern that they 
have a most important field in the Lord's vineyard 
to cultivate. They will lift the heart to God in the 
sincere prayer, "Lord, be Thou my pattern;" and 
then, beholding Christ, they will do the work of 
Christ. 

[191] 



192 Counsels to Teachers 

Well-balanced minds and symmetrical characters 
are required of teachers in every line. Tlie work of 
teaching should not be given into the hands of young 
men and women who do not Iniow how to deal Avitli 
human minds, who have never learned to keep them- 
selves under discipline to Jesus Christ, to bring even 
the thoughts into captivity to Him. They know so 
little about the controlling power of grace upon their 
own hearts and characters, that they have much to 
unlearn, and nuist learn entirely new lessons in Chris- 
tian experience. 

There are all kinds of characters to deal with in 
tlie children and youth, and tlieir minds are im- 
pressionable. Many of the children who attend our 
schools have not had proper training at home. Some 
have been left to do as they pleased; others have been 
found fault with and discouraged. Very little pleas- 
antness and cheerfulness have been shown them ; few 
words of approval have been spoken to them. They 
have inlierited the defective characters of their par- 
ents, and the discipline of the home has been no help 
in the formation of right character. To place as 
teachers of these children and youth, young men and 
women who have not developed a deep, earnest love 
for God and for the souls for wliom Christ has died, 
is to make a mistake that may result in the loss of 
many souls. Those who easily become impatient and 
irritated should not be educators. 

Teachers should remember that they are not deal- 
ing with men and women, but with children who 
have everything to learn. And it is much more 
difficult for some to learn than for others. The dull 
pupil needs much more encouragement than he re- 



rit<l(r DisciplliK lo Chfisl 193 

L-eivcs. 11' there are placed over these varied minds 
teachers wlio love to order and dictate and to mag- 
nify their authority, teachers who deal with partial- 
ity, having favorites to whom they show preference, 
while others are treated with exactitude and severity, 
confusion and insubordination will result. Teachers 
wlio are not blessed with a pleasant, well-balanced 
disposition, may be placed in charge of children, 
but a great wrong is done to those whom they 
educate. 

A teacher may have sufficient education and knowl- 
edge in the sciences to instruct, but has it been as- 
certained that he has tact and wisdom to deal with 
human minds? If instructors have not the love of 
Christ abiding in their hearts, they are not fit to 
bear the grave responsibilities placed upon those who 
educate the youth. Lacking the higher education 
themselves, they know not how to deal with human 
minds. Their own insubordinate hearts are striving 
for control; and to subject the plastic minds and 
characters of the children to such discipline, is to 
leave upon the mind scars and bruises that will never 
be removed. 

Inquire, teachers, you who are doing your work not 
only for time but for eternity, Does the love of 
Christ constrain me, as I deal with the souls for 
whom He has given His life? Under His discipline, 
do old traits of character, not in conformity wdth the 
will of God, pass away, and qualities the opposite 
take their place? or am I, by my unsanctified words 
and my impatience, my want of that wdsdom which 
is from above, confirming these youth in their per- 
verse spirit? 

13 — Counsels 



194 Counsels to Teachers 

"When a teacher manifests impatience or fretful- 
ness toward a child, the fault may not be with the 
child one half so much as with the teacher. Teachers 
become tired with their work, and something the 
children say or do does not accord with their feel- 
ings. Will they at such times, through a failure to 
exercise tact and wisdom, let Satan's spirit enter, and 
lead them to arouse in the children feelings that are 
disagreeable and unpleasant ? The teacher who loves 
Jesus, and who appreciates the saving power of His 
grace, cannot, dare not, let Satan control his spirit. 
Everj'-thing will be put away that would corrupt his 
influence, because it opposes the will of God, and 
endangers the souls of the precious sheep and lambs. 

Wlien Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, 
then the truth of God will so act upon the natural 
temperament that its transforming power will be 
seen in changed characters. You will not then, by 
revealing an unsanctified heart and temper, turn the 
truth of God into a lie before any of your pupils. 
Nor will you, by manifesting a selfish, unchristlike 
spirit, give the impression that the grace of Christ 
is not sufficient for you at all times and in all places. 
You will show that the authority of God over you is 
not in name only, but in reality and truth. 

Let every teacher who accepts the responsibility 
of teaching the children and youth, examine himself. 
Let him ask himself. Has the truth of God taken 
possession of my soul? Has the wisdom which comes 
from Jesus Christ, which is "first pure, then peace- 
able, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
and good fruits, without partiality, and without 
hypocrisy," been brought into my character? Do 



Under Discipline to Christ 195 

I cherish the priuciple that "the fruit of righteous- 
ness is sown in peace of them that make peace"? 
James 3 : 17, 18. 

Teachers, Jesus is in your school every day. His 
great heart of infinite love is drawn out, not only 
for the best-behaved children, who have the most 
favorable surroundings, but for the children who 
have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. 
Even parents have not understood how much they 
are responsible for the qualities developed in their 
children, and they have not had the tenderness and 
wisdom to deal with them, whom they have made 
what they are. They have failed to trace back to 
the cause of the discouraging developments that are 
a trial to them. But Jesus looks upon these children 
with pity and love. He understands; for He rea- 
sons from cause to effect. 

Sharp words and continual censure bewilder the 
child, but do not reform him. Keep back the pet- 
tish word; keep your own spirit under discipline to 
Christ. Then you will learn to pity and to sympa- 
thize with those who are brought under your in- 
fluence. Do not show impatience or harshness. If 
these children did not need educating, they would not 
be in school. They are to be patiently, kindly helped 
up the ladder of progress, climbing step by step in 
obtaining knowledge. Take your stand by the side 
of Jesus. Possessing His attributes, you will be the 
possessor of keen, tender sensibilities, and will make 
the cause of the erring your own. 

The religious life of a large number of teachers who 
profess to be Christians is such as to show that they 
are not Christians. They are constantly misrepre- 



196 Counsels to Teachers 

senting Christ. They have a religion that is subject 
to and controlled by circumstances. If everything 
happens to move in a way that pleases them, if there 
are no irritating circumstances to call out their un- 
subdued, unchristlike natures, they are condescend- 
ing and pleasant and very attractive. But the truth 
is not to be practised only when we feel like it, but 
at all times and in all places. The Lord is not served 
by man's hasty impulse, his fitful performances. If, 
when things occur in tlie family or in association 
with others, which ruffle their peace and provoke the 
temper, teachers would lay everything before God, 
asking for His grace before they engage in their 
daily work; if they would know for themselves that 
the love and power and grace of God are in their 
own hearts, angels of God would go with them into 
the schoolroom. 

It means much to bring children under the direct 
influence of the Spirit of God, to train and disci- 
pline them, to bring them up in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord. The formation of right 
habits, the inculcation of a right spirit, wdll call for 
earnest efforts in the name and strength of Jesus. 

"Every high priest . . . can have compassion 
on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the 
way; for that he liimself also is compassed with in- 
firmity." Heb. 5:1, 2. This truth can in the high- 
est sense be exemplified before the children. Let 
teachers bear it in mind when they are tempted to 
be impatient and angry with the children because of 
misbehavior. Let them remember that angels of God 
are looking sorrowfully upon them. If the children 
err and misbehave, then it is all the more essential 



IJndir Disci pVuw lo Christ 197 

that those who are placed over them shonht be able 
to teach them, by precept and example, liow to act. 

In no case are teachers to lose self-control, to mani- 
fest impatience and harshness, and a want of sym- 
pathy and love. Those who are naturally fretful, 
easily provoked, and who have cherished the habit of 
criticism and evil-thinking, should find some other 
kind of work, where their unlovely traits of char- 
acter will not be reproduced in the children and 
youth. In the place of being fitted to instruct the 
children, such teachers need one to teach them the 
lessons of Jesus Christ. 

If the teacher has the love of Christ abiding in 
the heart as a sweet fragrance, a savor of life unto 
life, he may bind the children under his care to 
himself. Through the grace of Christ he may be an 
instrument in God's hands to enlighten, lift up, en- 
courage, and help to purify the soul-temple from 
its defilement, until the character shall be trans- 
formed by the grace of Christ, and the image of 
God be revealed in the soul. 

Said Christ, ''I sanctify Myself, that they also 
might be sanctified.'' John 17 : 19. This is the work 
that devolves on every Christian teacher. There must 
be no haphazard work in this matter; for the edu- 
cation of the children requires very much of the grace 
of Christ and the subduing of self. Heaven sees in 
the child the undeveloped man or woman, wdth capa- 
bilities and powers that, if correctly guided and de- 
veloped, will make him or her one wdth whom the 
divine agencies can co-operate, — a laborer together 
with God. 



1^8 Counsels to Teachers 

AN OBJECT-LESSON 

The parable of the good shepherd represents the 
responsibility of every minister and of every Chris- 
tian who has accepted a position as teacher of the 
children and youth. The one that has strayed from 
the fold is not followed with harsh words and a whip, 
but with winning invitations to return. The ninety 
and nine that had not strayed do not call for the 
sympathy and tender, pitying love of the shepherd. 
But the- shepherd follows the sheep and lambs that 
have caused him the greatest anxiety and have en- 
grossed his sympathies most deeply. He leaves the 
rest of the sheep, and his whole energies are taxed 
to find the one that is lost. 

And then the picture — praise God ! — the shep- 
herd returns with the sheep, carrying it in his arms, 
and rejoicing at every step. ''Rejoice with me," he 
says, ''for I have found my sheep which was lost." 
Luke 15 : 6. I am so thankful that we have the 
picture of the sheep found. There is no picture pre- 
sented before our imagination of a sorrowful shep- 
herd returning without the sheep. This is the lesson 
that the under-shepherds are to learn, — success in 
bringing the sheep and lambs back to the fold. 

The wisdom of God, His power, and His love are 
without a parallel. They are the divine guarantee 
that not one, even, of the straying sheep and lambs 
is overlooked, not one left unsuccored. A golden 
chain — the mercy and compassion of divine power — 
is passed around every one of these imperiled souls. 

■ A WIDE FIELD 

To those who are accepted as teachers in our 
schools, is opened a wide field for labor and cultiva- 



Viidfr DiscipHne to Christ 190 

lion, for the sowing of the seed, and the harvesting 
ol' the ripened grain. What should give greater sat- 
isfaction than to educate the children and youth to 
love God and keep His commandments? What should 
give greater joy than to see these children and youth 
following Christ, the great Shepherd? What should 
shed more sunshine through the soul of the devoted 
worker than to know that his patient, persevering 
labor in the Lord is not in vain, to see his pupils ex- 
periencing joy in their souls for sins forgiven, to 
see them receiving the impressions of the Spirit of 
God in true nobility of character and in the restora- 
tion of the moral image of God, seeking for that 
peace which comes from the Prince of Peace? The 
truth a bondage? — Yes, in one sense; for it binds 
the soul in willing captivity to tlie Saviour, bowing 
the heart to the gentleness of Christ. 



-<£>- 



While right principles and correct habits are of 
first importance among the qualifications of the 
teacher, it is indispensable that he should have a 
thorough knowledge of the sciences. With upright- 
ness of character, high literary acquirements should 
be combined. 

If you are called to be a teacher, you are called 
to be a learner also. If you take upon yourself the 
sacred responsibility of teaching others, you take 
upon yourself the duty of becoming master of every 
subject you seek to teach. Be not content with dull 
thoughts, an indolent mind, or a loose memory. It 
is a noble thing to teach; it is a blessed thing to 



200 Counsels to Teachers 

learn. True knowledge is a precious possession, and 
the more the teacher has of it, the better will be 
his work. 



In sending children to the public schools, parents 
are placing them under demoralizing influences — in- 
fluences that injure the morals and habits. In such 
surroundings, children often receive instruction that 
trains them to be enemies of Christ. They lose sight 
of piety and virtue. 

Many public schools are permeated by the baneful 
influence of boys and girls who are experts in sin. 
And children who are allowed to play on the street 
are also obtaining a training that thoughtless par- 
ents will sometime learn leads to recklessness and 
lawlessness. 



God has given inquiring minds to youth and chil- 
dren. Their reasoning powers are entrusted to them 
as precious talents. It is the duty of parents to 
keep the matter of their education before them in 
its true meaning; for it comprehends many lines. 
They should be taught to improve everj^ talent, ex- 
pecting that all will be used in the service of Christ 
for the uplifting of fallen humanity. 



Much of the success of a church school depends 
upon the teacher chosen. The one placed in charge 
of a school should be of suitable age; and where the 
number of students is large enough, assistants should 
be chosen from among the older ones. Thus the 
students will gain an experience of great value. 



The Church School 201 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



The Work of the Church Test. Vol. 6, pp. 193-205. 

School 



Christ as the Example and D. of A., p. 74. 
Teacher of Youth 



Teaching from Nature Ed., pp. 99-120. 

C. O. L., pp. 17-89. 

P. and P., pp. 599, 600. 

D. of A., pp. 70, 71, 291. 
Acts, pp. 571, 572. 

M. of B., pp. 141-146. 
Test. Vol. 4, p. 581. 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 326-3-J8. 

Under Discipline to Christ Ed., pp. 275-282. 

Test, Vol. 5, pp. 653, 654. 



THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 



' ' Understanding is a wellspring 
of life to him that hath it." 



INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS 

Intermediate schools are highly essential. In these 
schools thorough work is to be done; for many stu- 
dents will go forth from them directly into the great 
harvest-field. They will go forth to use what they 
have learned, as canvassers, and as helpers in vari- 
ous lines of evangelistic work. Many workers, after 
laboring for a time in the field, will feel the need of 
further study, and with the experience gained in the 
field will be prepared to value school privileges, and 
to make rapid advancement. Some will desire an 
education in the higher branches of study. For these 
our colleges have been established. 

The word of God is to lie at the foundation of all 
the work done in our intermediate schools. And the 
students are to be shown the true dignity of labor. 
They are to be taught that God is a constant worker. 
Let every teacher take hold heartily with a group 
of students, working with them, and teaching them 
how to work. As the teachers do this, they will gain 
a valuable experience. Their hearts will be bound up 
with the hearts of the students, and this will open 
the way for successful teaching. 

It would be a sad mistake for us to fail to con- 
sider thoroughly the purpose for which each of our 

[203] 



204 Counsels to Teachers 

schools is established. This is a matter that should 
be faithfully studied by our responsible men in each 
union conference, in order that the youth may be 
surrounded by circumstances the most favorable for 
the formation of characters strong enough to with- 
stand the evils of this world. 

We have a great work before us, and there is need 
of many educated laborers who have fitted themselves 
for positions of trust. As our youth are trained 
for service in the cause of God, the Bible must lie 
at the foundation of their education. The principles 
of truth contained in the word of God will be a safe- 
guard against the evil influences of the world. 

Plfforts to educate our children and youth in the 
fear of the Lord without making a study of the Word 
prominent, are sadly misdirected. Unless there is 
such a training as will lead to a recognition and an 
abhorrence of sin, moral deformity will result. Our 
children should be removed from the evil influences of 
the public school, and placed where thoroughly con- 
verted teachers may educate them in the Holy Scrip- 
tures. Thus students will be taught to make the 
word of God the grand rule of their lives. 



Some may ask, "How are such schools to be estab- 
lished?" We are not a rich i:)eople, but if we pray in 
faith, and let the Lord work in our behalf. He will 
open ways before us to establish small schools in re- 
tired places for the education of our youth, not only 
in the Scriptures and in ])Ook learning, but in many 
lines of manual labor. 

The necessity of establishing such schools is urged 
upon me very strongly because of the cruel neglect 



Iniivincdiatc Scliools 205 

of many parents i)r()ptM'ly to educate their children in 
the home. jNFany fathers and mothers have seemed 
to think that if tlie lines of control were put into the 
hands of their cliildren, they would develop into use- 
ful young- men and women. But the Lord has in- 
structed me in regard to tliis matter. In the visions 
of the night I saw standing- by the side of these 
neglected children the one Avho was cast out of the 
heavenly courts because he originated sin. He, the 
enemy of souls, was watching for opportunities to 
gain control of the mind of every child whose par- 
ents had not given faithful instruction in regard to 
Satan's snares. 



In planning for the education of their children 
outside the home, parents should realize that it is 
no longer safe to send them to the public school, and 
should endeavor to send them to schools where they 
will obtain an education based on a scriptural foun- 
dation. Upon every Christian parent there rests the 
solemn obligation of giving to his children an edu- 
cation that will lead them to gain a knowledge of 
the Lord, and to become partakers of the divine na- 
ture through obedience to God's wall and way. 



THE WORK OF THE FERNANDO SCHOOL 

The question has been asked, "What shall we teach 
in the Fernando school?" 

Teach fundamentals. Teach that which is prac- 
tical. You should not make a great parade before 



206 Counsels to Teachers 

the world, telling what you expect to do, as if you 
were planning something wonderful. No, indeed. 
Boast neither of the branches of study you expect to 
teach nor of the industrial work you hope to do ; 
but tell every one who inquires, that you intend to 
do the best you can to give your students a physical, 
mental, and spiritual training that will fit them for 
usefulness in this life, and prepare them for the 
future immortal life. 

What influence do you think it would have to pub- 
lish in your aiinouncement of the school that you 
will endeavor to give the students a training that 
will prepare them for the future, immortal life, be- 
cause you desire to see them live throughout the 
ceaseless ages of eternity? I believe such a state- 
ment would have a far greater influence upon the 
brethren and sisters of this conference, and upon the 
community in the midst of which the school is estab- 
lished, than would the display of a number of courses 
of study in ancient and modern languages and other 
higher branches of study. 

Let the school prove itself. Then the patrons will 
not be disappointed, and the students will not claim 
that they were promised instruction in certain studies 
which, after entering the school, they were not per- 
mitted to take up. 

. Let it be understood at the beginning that the Bible 
lies at the foundation of all education. An earnest 
study of God's word, resulting in transformation of 
character and in a fitness for service, will make the 
Fernando school a power for good. My brethren 
who are connected with this school, your strength 
lies not in the number of languages you may teach. 



Intermedia I e Sch oola 20? 

or in telling how large a "college" you have. Keei) 
silent on these points. Silence in regard to the great 
things you plan to do, will help you more than all 
the positive assertions and all the promises that you 
might publish in your announcements. By faithful- 
ness in the school you should demonstrate that you 
are working on foundation principles, principles that 
will prepare the students for entrance through the 
pearly gates into the heavenly city. The saving of 
souls is worth far more than mere intellectual train- 
ing. A pretentious display of human learning, the 
manifestation of pride of personal appearance, is 
worthless. The Lord values obedience to His will; 
for only by walking humbly and obediently ])efore 
Him, can man glorify God. 

In giving us the privilege of studying His word, 
the Lord has set before us a rich banquet. Many 
are the benefits derived from feasting on His word, 
which is represented by Him as His flesh and blood, 
His spirit and life. By partaking of this word our 
spiritual strength is increased; we grow in grace and 
in a knowledge of the truth. Habits of self-control 
are formed and strengthened. The infirmities of 
childhood — fretfulness, wilfulness, selfishness, hasty 
words, passionate acts — disappear, and in their place 
are developed the graces of Christian manhood and 
womanhood. 

If your students, besides studying God's word, 
learn no more than how to use correctly the English 
language in reading, writing, and speaking, a great 
work will have been accomplished. Those who are 
trained for service in the Lord's cause should be 
taught how to talk properly in ordinary conversation 



208 Counsels to Teachers 

and before congregations. Many a laborer's use- 
fulness is marred hj his ignorance in regard to cor- 
rect breathing and clear, forcible speaking. Many 
have not learned to give the right emphasis to the 
words they read and speak. Often the enunciation 
is indistinct. A thorough training in the use of the 
Englisli language is of far more value to a youth 
than a superficial study of foreign languages, to the 
neglect of his mother tongue. 

Let the school be conducted along the lines of the 
ancient schools of the prophets, the word of God lying 
at the foundation of all the education given. Let 
not the students attempt to grasp the higher rounds 
of the ladder first. There are those who liave at- 
tended other schools, thinking tliat they could obtain 
an advanced education; but they have been so intent 
on reaching the higher rounds of the ladder that they 
have not been humble enough to learn of Christ. Had 
they placed their feet on the lower rounds first, they 
would have made progress, learning more and still 
more of the great Teacher. 

The instructors will find it greatly to their advan- 
tage to take hold disinterestedly with the students in 
manual labor, showing them how to work. By co- 
operating with the youth in this practical way, the 
teachers can bind the hearts of the students to them- 
selves by the cords of sympathy and brotherly love. 
Christian kindness and sociability are powerful fac- 
tors in winning the affections of the youth. 

Teachers, take hold of the school work with dili- 
gence and patience. Realize that yours is not a 
common work. You are laboring for time and for 
eternity, moulding the minds of your students for 



Intermediate Schools 209 

entrance into the liiglu'r school. Kvery right prin- 
ciple, every truth learned in an earthly school, will 
advance lis just that much in the lu^avcnly school. As 
('hrist walked and talked with His disciples during 
His ministry on this earth, so will He teach us in 
the school ahove, leading us beside the river of living 
waters, and revealing to us truths that in this life 
must remain hidden mysteries because of the limita- 
tions of the human mind, so marred by sin. In the 
heavenly school we shall have opportunity to attain, 
step by step, to the greatest heights of learning. 
There, as children of the heavenly King, we shall 
ever dwell with the members of the royal family; 
there we shall see the King in His beauty, and be- 
hold His matchless charms. 

THE TRAINING OF MISSIONARIES 

It is important that we should have intermediate 
schools and academies. To us has been committed 
a great work, — the work of proclaiming the third 
angel's message to every nation, kindred, tongue, 
and people. We have but few missionaries. From 
home and abroad are coming many urgent calls for 
workers. Young men and women, the middle-aged, 
and in fact all who are able to engage in the Master's 
service, should be putting their minds to the stretch 
in an effort to prepare to meet these calls. From the 
light God has given me, I know that we do not 
use the faculties of the mind half as diligently as 
we should in an effort to fit ourselves for greater use- 
fulness. If we consecrate mind and body to God's 
service, obeying His law, He will give us sanctified 
moral power for every undertaking. 

14 — Counsels 



210 Counsels to Teachers 

Every man and woman in our rnnks, whetlier a 
parent or not, ought to be intensely interested in the 
Lord's vineyard. We cannot afford to allow our 
children to drift away into the world and to fall 
under the control of the enemy. Let us come up to 
the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against 
the mighty. Let us do all in our power to make our 
schools a blessing to our youth. Teachers and stu- 
dents, you can do much to bring this about by wear- 
ing the yoke of Christ, daily learning of Him His 
meekness and lowliness. Those who are not directly 
connected with the school can help to make it a 
blessing by giving it their hearty support. Thus we 
shall all be "laborers together with God," and re- 
ceive the reward of the faithful, even an entrance 
into the school above. 

Sept. 17, 1902. 

FURTHER INSTRUCTION 

It is not wise for a new school to lift its banner 
and promise to do a high grade of work, before 
proving that it is fully able to do preparatory work. 
It should be the great aim in every intermediate 
school to do most thorough work in the common 
branches. 

In every school that is established among us, the 
teachers should begin humbly, not grasping the 
higher rounds of the ladder before they have climbed 
the lower ones. They are to climb round after round, 
beginning at the bottom. They are to be learners, 
even as they teach the common branches. When they 
Jiave learned the meaning of the simplicity of true 



rntey mediate Schools 211 

education, they will better understand how to pre- 
pare students for advanced studies. Teachers are to 
learn as they teach. Advancement is to be made, 
and by advancement experience is to be gained. 

Our teachers should not think that their work ends 
with giving instruction from books. Several hours 
each day should be devoted to working with the 
students in some line of manual training. In no case 
should this be neglected. 

In every school there should be those who have a 
store of patience and disciplinary talent, who will 
see to it that every line of work is kept up to the 
highest standard. Lessons in neatness, order, and 
thoroughness are to be given. Students should be 
taught how to keep in perfect order everything in the 
school and about the grounds. 

Before he attempts to guide the youth, a teacher 
should learn to control himself. If he is not a con- 
stant learner in the school of Christ; if he has not 
the discernment and discrimination that would en- 
able him to employ wise methods in his work; if he 
cannot govern those in his charge with firmness, 
yet pleasantly and kindly, how can he be successful 
in his teaching? The teacher who is not under the 
control of God needs to heed the invitation, ''Take 
My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek 
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is 
light." Matt. 11:29, 30. 

Every teacher should learn daily of Jesus, wear- 
ing His yoke of restraint, sitting in His school as 
a student, obeying the rules of Christian principle. 
The teacher who is not under the guidance of the 



212 Counsels to Teachers 

Master-teacher will not be able to meet successfully 
the different developments that arise as the result 
of the natural perversity of childhood and youth. 

Let the teacher bring peace and love and cheerful- 
ness into his work. Let him not allow himself to 
become angry or provoked. The Lord is looking upon 
him with intense interest, to see if he is being moulded 
by the divine Teacher. The child who loses his self- 
control is far more excusable than the teacher who 
allows himself to become angry and impatient. When 
a stern reproof is to be given, it may still be given 
in kindness. Let the teacher beware of making the 
child stubborn by speaking to him harshly. Let him 
follow every correction with drops of the oil of 
kindness. He should never forget that he is dealing 
with Christ in the person of one of Christ's little ones. 

Let it be a settled maxim that in all school disci- 
pline, faithfulness and love are to reign. When a 
student is corrected in such a way that he is not made 
to feel that the teacher desires to humiliate him, love 
for the teacher springs up in his heart. 

St. Helena, Cat., May 17, 1903. 



In the night season I was speaking earnestly to 
the brethren in Southern California in reference to 
the school at Fernando. Perplexing questions had 
arisen in reference to the school. One in authority 
was in the assembly, and He gave counsel in regard 
to the way in which the school should be conducted. 

Our Counselor said : " If you follow on to know the 
Lord, you will know that His going forth is pre- 



J fit er mediate Schools 213 

pared as the moruing. Tlie teachers in the scliool 
should be learners with the students in all the in- 
struction given. They are constantly to receive graci^ 
and wisdom from the Source of all wisdom. 

"You are just beginning your work. Not all your 
ideas are positively correct. Not all your methods 
are wise. It is not possible that your work at its 
beginning will be perfect. But as you advance, you 
will learn how to use to better advantage the knowl- 
edge that you are gaining. In order to do their 
work in harmony with the Lord's will, teachers must 
keep their minds open to receive instruction from tlic 
great Teacher." 

Los Angeles, Cal, Sept. 18, 1902. 



You will certainly make a serious mistake if you 
undertake, with a few students and a few teachers, 
to do the advanced work that is carried forward w^ith 
so much difficulty and expense in- our larger schools. 
It will be better for your students and for the school, 
for those who require the advanced studies, to go 
to the college, and thus leave your faculty free to 
devote their best energies to doing thorough work in 
teaching the conmion branches. 

What is it that will make our schools a power? It 
is not the size of the buildings; it is not the number 
of advanced studies taught. It is the faithful work 
done by teachers and students, as they begin at the 
lower rounds of the ladder of progress, and climb 
diligently round by round. 

Secure a strong man to stand as principal of your 
school, a man whose physical strength will support 



214 Counsels to Teachers 

him iD doing thorough work as a disciplinarian; a 
man who is qualified to train the students in habits 
of order, neatness, and industry. Do thorough work 
in whatever jou undertake. If you are faithful in 
teaching the common branches, many of your stu- 
dents could go directly into the work as canvassers, 
colporteurs, and evangelists. We need not feel that 
all workers must have an advanced education. 



-®- 



The youth in all our institutions are to be moulded 
and fashioned and disciplined for God; and in this 
work the Lord's mercy and love and tenderness are 
ever to be revealed. This is not to degenerate into 
weakness and sentimentality. We are to be kind, yet 
firm. And let teachers remember that while decision 
is needful, they are never to be harsh or condemna- 
tory, never to manifest an overbearing spirit. Let 
them keep calm, revealing the better way by refusing 
to be provoked to anger. 

God wants us to demonstrate His love by showing 
a living interest in the youth under our care. Hold 
them up before the Lord, and ask Him to do for them 
what you cannot do. Let them see that you realize 
your need of divine help. 



The teacher should constantly aim at simplicity 
and effectiveness. He should teach largely by illus- 
tration, and even in dealing with older pupils should 
be careful to make every explanation plain and clear. 
Many pupils well advanced in years are but children 
in understanding. — "Education," p. 233. 



VALUE OF THE COMMON BRANCHES 

In education the work of climbing must liegin at 
the lowest round of the ladder. The common liranches 
sliould 1)(^ fully and prayerfully taught. Many who 
feel that tliey have finished their education are faulty 
in spelling and in writing, and can neither read nor 
speak correctly. Not a few who study the classics 
and other higher branches of learning, and who 
reach certain standards, finally fail because they have 
neglected to do thorough work in the common 
branches. They have never obtained a good knowl- 
edge of the Englisli language. They need to go back 
and begin to climb from the first round of the ladder. 

It is a mistake to allow students in our prepara- 
tory schools to choose their own studies. This mis- 
take has been made in the past, and as a result 
students who had not mastered the common branches 
have sought to climb higher than they were prepared 
to go. Some who could not speak the English lan- 
guage correctly have desired to take up the study 
of foreign languages. 

Students who, on coming to school, ask to be al- 
lowed to take the higher studies, should first be 
examined in the elementary branches. I was talk- 
ing with a teacher in one of our conference schools, 
and he told me that some had come to his school with 
diplomas showing they had taken some of the higher 
studies in other schools. 

"Did you examine every such student," I in- 
quired, "to find out whether he had received proper 
instruction in those ])ranches?" 

[215] 



216 Counsels to Teachers 

"Why," said the teacher, "in all these cases we 
could not give the students full credit for the work 
done in the past, as represented by the diplomas. 
Their training even in the common branches had been 
very defective." And thus it is in many instances. 

Teachers should be careful to give the students 
what they most need, instead of allowing them to 
take what studies they choose. They should test the 
accuracy and knowledge of the students; then they 
can tell whether they have reached the heights to 
which they think they have attained. 

One of the fundamental branches of learning is 
language study. In all our schools special care should 
be taken to teach the students to use the English 
language correctly in speaking, reading, and writing. 
Too much cannot be said in regard to the impor- 
tance of thoroughness in these lines. One of the 
most essential qualifications of a teacher is the ability 
to speak and read distinctly and forcibly. He who 
knows how to use the English language fluently and 
correctly, can exert a far greater influence than one 
who is unable to express his thoughts readily and 
clearly. 

Voice culture should be taught in the reading class ; 
and in other classes the teacher should insist that the 
students speak distinctly, and use words which ex- 
press their thoughts clearly and forcibly. Students 
should be taught to use their abdominal muscles in 
breathing and speaking. This will make the tones 
more full and clear. 

Let the students be made to understand that God 
has given to every one a ^vonderf ul mechanism — 
the human body — which we are to use to glorify 



Value of the Com man Branches 217 

Him. The powers ol' the body are constantly work- 
ing in* our behalf, and it* we choose we may bring 
them under control. 

We may have knowledge, but unless the habit is 
acquired of using the voice correctly, our work will 
be a failure. Unless we can clotlie our ideas in aj)- 
propriate language, of what avail is our education? 
Knowledge will be of little value to us unless we cul- 
tivate the talent of speech; but it is a wonderful 
power when combined with the ability to speak wise, 
helpful words, and to speak them in a way that will 
connnaud attention. 

Let all guard against becoming annoyed in spirit 
because they have to be drilled in these common 
branches. It should be impressed upon students that 
they will themselves be educators of others, and for 
this reason they should strive earnestly to improve. 

To learn to tell convincingly and impressively that 
which one knows, is of especial value to those who 
desire to be workers in the cause of God. The more 
expression we can put into the words of truth, the 
more effective these words will be on those who hear. 
A proper presentation of the Lord's truth is worthy 
of our highest effort. 

Unless students who are preparing for work in the 
cause of God are trained to speak in a clear, straight- 
forward manner, they will be shorn of half their in- 
fluence for good. Whatever his calling is to be, the 
student should learn to control the voice. The ability 
to speak plainly and distinctly, in full, round tones, 
is invaluable in any line of work, and it is indis- 
pensable to those who desire to become ministers, 
evangelists, Bible workers, or canvassers. 



218 Counsels to Teachers 

When voice culture, reading, writing, and spelling 
take their rightful place in our schools, there will be 
seen a great change for the better. These subjects 
have been neglected because teachers have not rec- 
ognized their value. But they are more important 
than Latin and Greek. I do not say that it is wrong 
to study Latin and Greek, but I do say that it is 
wrong to neglect the subjects that lie at the founda- 
tion of education in order to tax the mind with the 
study* of these higher branches. 

It is a matter of great importance that students ob- 
tain an education that will fit them for successful 
business life. We must not be satisfied with the one- 
sided education given in many schools. The com- 
mon branches must be thoroughly mastered, and a 
knowledge of bookkeeping should be considered as 
important as a knowledge of grammar. All who 
expect to engage in the work of the Lord should 
learn how to keep accounts. In the world there are 
many who have made a failure of business and are 
looked upon as dishonest, who are true at heart, but 
who have failed to succeed because thoy did not know 
how to keep accounts. 

To spell correctly, to write a clear, fair hand, and 
to keep accounts, are necessary accomplishments. 
Bookkeeping has strangely dropped out of school 
work in many places, but this should be regarded as 
a study of primary importance. A thorough prepa- 
ration in these studies will fit students to stand in 
positions of trust. 



To every student I would say. Never rest sat- 
isfied with a low standard. In attending scliool, ])e 



Value of the Coninio)} Bra}iche<i 219 

sure that you have in view a noble, holy object. Go 
because you desire to fit yourselves for service in 
some part of the Lord's vineyard. Do all that you 
can to attain this object. You can do more for 
yourselves than any one can do for you. And if you 
do all that you can for yourselves, what a burden you 
will lift from the principal and the teachers! 

Before attempting to study the higher branches of 
literary knowledge, be sure that you thoroughly un- 
derstand the simple rules of English grammar, and 
have learned to read and write and spell correctly. 
Climb the lower rounds of the ladder before reach- 
ing for the higher rounds. 

Do not spend time in learning that which will be 
of little use to you in your after-life. Instead of 
reaching out for a knowledge of the classics, learn 
first to speak the English language correctly. Learn 
how to keep accounts. Gain a knowledge of those 
lines of study that wdll help you to be useful wher- 
ever you are. 

® 

The instruction which the Lord has sent us, warn- 
ing students and teachers against spending years of 
study in school, does not apply to young boys and 
girls. These need to go through the proper period 
of thorough discipline and study of the common 
branches and the Bil^le, until they have reached an 
age of more mature and relial)le judgment. 



THE INFLUENCE OP ASSOCIATION 

God's word places great stress upon the influence 
of association, even on men and women. How much 
greater is its power on the developing mind and 
character of children and youth ! The company they 
keep, the principles they adopt, the habits they form, 
will decide the question of their usefulness here, and 
of their future destiny. 

It is a terrible fact, and one that should make the 
hearts of parents tremble, that in so many schools 
and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental 
discipline and culture, influences prevail which mis- 
shape the character, divert the mind from life's true 
aims, and debase the morals. Through contact with 
the irreligious, the pleasure-loving, and the corrupt, 
many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith 
in God, and the spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian 
fathers and mothers have cherished and guarded by 
careful instruction and earnest prayer. 

It is inevitable that the youth will have associates, 
and they will necessarily feel their influence. There 
are mysterious links that bind souls together, so that 
the heart of one answers to the heart of another. One 
catches the ideas, the sentiments, the spirit, of an- 
other. This association may be a blessing or a 
curse. The youth may help and strengthen one an- 
other, improving in deportment, in disposition, in 
knowledge; or, by permitting themselves to become 
careless and unfaithful, they may exert an influ- 
ence that is demoralizing. 
[220] 



Influence of As<iociation 221 

Tlie matter of choosing associates is one which 
students should learn to consider seriously. Among 
the youth who attend our schools there will always 
be found two classes, those who seek to please God 
and to obey their teachers, and those who are filled 
with a spirit of lawlessness. If the youth go with 
the multitude to do evil, their influence will be cast 
on the side of the adversary of souls; they will mis- 
lead those who have not cherished principles of un- 
swerving fidelity. 

It has been truly said, "Show me your company, 
and I will show you your character." The youth 
fail to realize how sensibly both their character and 
their reputation are affected by their choice of as- 
sociates. One seeks the company of those whose 
tastes and habits and practices are congenial. He 
who prefers the society of the ignorant and vicious 
to that of the wise and good, shows that his own char- 
acter is defective. His tastes and habits may at 
first be altogether dissimilar to the tastes and habits 
of those whose company he seeks; but as he mingles 
with this class, his thoughts and feelings change; he 
sacrifices right principles, and insensibly yet un- 
avoidably sinks to the level of his companions. As 
a stream always partakes of the property of the soil 
through which it runs, so the principles and habits 
of youth invariably become tinctured with the char- 
acter of the company in which they mingle. 

Students should be taught to resist firmly the al- 
lurements to evil which come through association with 
other youth. Compassed as they are by temptation, 
an indwelling Christ is their only safeguard against 
evil. They must learn to look to Jesus continually, 



222 Counsels to Teachers 

to study His virtues, to make Him tlieir daily pat- 
tern. Then truth, brought into the inner sanctuary 
of the soul, will sanctify the life. They must be 
trained to weigh their actions, to reason from cause 
to effect, to measure the eternal loss or gain to the 
life given to serve the purposes of the enemy or 
devoted to the service of righteousness. They should 
be taught to choose as their companions those who 
give evidence of uprightness of character, those 
who practise Bible truth. By association with those 
who walk according to principle, even the careless 
will learn to love righteousness. And by the prac- 
tice of right-doing there will be created in the heart 
a distaste for that which is cheap and common and 
at variance with the principles of God's word. 

Strength of character consists of two things, — 
power of will and power of self-control. Many youth 
mistake strong, uncontrolled passion for strength of 
character; but the truth is, that he who is mastered 
by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness 
and nobility of the man is measured by his power to 
subdue his feelings, not by the power of his feelings 
to subdue him. The strongest man is he who, while 
sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion and for- 
give his enemies. 

God has given us intellectual and moral power ; but 
to a great extent every one is the architect of his own 
character. Every day the structure more nearly ap- 
proaches completion. The word of God warns us to 
take heed how we build, to see that our building is 
founded upon the eternal rock. The time is coming 
when our work will stand revealed just as it is. Now 
is the time for all to cultivate the powers that God 



Influpncp of Association 223 

lias givt'ii lliein, lliat tlic}^ may form characters for 
usefulness here and for a higher life hereafter. 

Faith in Christ as a personal Saviour will give 
strength and solidity to the character. Those who 
have genuine faith in Christ will be sober-minded, 
remembering that God's eye is upon them, that the 
Judge of all men is weighing moral worth, that heav- 
enly intelligences are watching to see what manner 
of character is being developed. 

The reason that so grave mistakes are made by 
the youth is that they do not learn from the experi- 
ence of those who have lived longer than they have. 
Students cannot afford to pass off with jest or ridi- 
cule the cautions and instruction of parents and 
teachers. They should cherish every lesson, realizing 
at the same time their need of deeper teaching than 
any human being can give. When Christ abides in 
the heart by faith. His Spirit becomes a power to 
purify and vivify the soul. Truth in the heart can- 
not fail of having a correcting influence upon the life. 
Let both teachers and students hold the truth of God 
as a treasure of the highest value, which must not 
be dimmed or tarnished by practices that are out of 
harmony with its holy character. 

Let those students who are away from their homes, 
no longer under the direct influence of their parents, 
remember that the eye of their heavenly Father is 
upon them. He loves the youth. He knows their 
necessities, He understands their temptations. He 
sees in them great possibilities, and is ready to hel]) 
them to reach the highest standard, if they will real- 
ize their need and seek Him for help. 

Students, night and day the prayers of your par- 
ents are rising to God in your behalf; day by day 



224 Counsels to Teachers 

their loving interest follows you. Listen to their 
entreaties and warnings, and determine tiiat by every 
means in your power you will lift yourselves above 
the evil that surrounds you. You cannot discern 
liow insidiously the enemy will work to corrupt your 
nnnds and habits, and develop in you unsound 
principles. 

You may see no real danger in taking the first 
step in frivolity and pleasure-seeking, and think that 
when you desire to change your course you will be 
al)le to do riglit as easily as before you yielded your- 
selves to do wrong. But this is a mistake. By the 
choice of evil companions many have been led step 
l)y step from the path of virtue into depths of dis- 
obedience and dissipation to which at one time they 
would have thought it impossible for them to sink. 

The student who yields to temptation weakens his 
influence for good, and he who by a wrong course of 
action becomes the agent of the adversary of souls, 
must render to God an account for the part he has 
acted in laying stumbling-blocks in the way of others. 
Why should students link themselves with the great 
apostate? Why should they become his agents to 
tempt others? Rather, why should they not study 
to help and encourage their fellow-students and their 
teachers? It is their privilege to help their teachers 
bear the burdens and meet the perplexities that Satan 
would make discouragingly heavy and trying. They 
may create an atmosphere that will be helpful, ex- 
hilarating. Every student may enjoy the conscious- 
ness that he has stood on Christ's side, showing 
respect for order, diligence, and obedience, and re- 



Infiuence of Association 225 

fusing to lend one jot of his ability or influence to 
the great enemy of all that is good and uplifting. 

The student who has a conscientious regard for 
truth and a true conception of duty, can do much 
to influence his fellow-students for Christ. The youth 
who are yoked up with the Saviour will not be un- 
ruly; they will not study their own selfish pleasure 
and gratification. Because they are one with Christ 
in spirit, they will be one with Christ in action. The 
older students in our schools should remember that 
it is in their power to mould the habits and prac- 
tices of the younger students; and they should seek 
to make the best of every opportunity. Let these 
students determine that they will not through their 
influence betray their companions into the hands of 
the enemy. 

Jesus will be the helper of all who put their trust 
in Him. Those who are connected with Christ have 
happiness at their command. They follow the path 
where their Saviour leads, for His sake crucifying 
the flesh, wdth its affections and lusts. They have 
built their hopes on Christ, and the storms of earth 
are powerless to sw^eep them from the sure foun- 
dation. 

It rests with you, young men and women, to decide 
whether you will become trustworthy and faithful, 
ready and resolute to- take your stand for the right 
under all circumstances. Do you desire to form cor- 
rect habits? Then seek the company of those who 
are sound in morals, and wdiose aim tends to that 
which is good. The precious hours of probation are 
granted that you may remove every defect from the 
character, and this you should seek to do, not only 

15 — Counsels 



22C} Counsels io Teachers 

that you may obtain the future life, but that you 
may be useful in this life. A good character is a 
capital of more value than gold or silver. It if? 
unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day 
when earthly possessions shall be swept away, it will 
bring rich returns. Integrity, firmness, and perse- 
verance are qualities that all should seek earnestly 
to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a 
power which is irresistible, — a power which makes 
him strong to do good, strong to resist evil, strong 
to bear adversity. 

The love of truth, and a sense of the responsibility 
to glorify God, are the most powerful of all in- 
centives to the improvement of the intellect. With 
this impulse to action the student cannot be a trifler. 
He will be always in earnest. He will study as under 
the eye of God, knowing that all heaven is enlisted 
in the work of his education. He will become noble- 
minded, generous, kind, courteous. Christlike, effi- 
cient. Heart and mind will work in harmony with 
the will of God. 



-^ 



The youth who are in harmony with Christ will 
choose companions who will help them in right- 
doing, and will shun society that gives no aid in the 
development of right principles and noble purposes. 
In every place are to be found youth whose mind is 
cast in an inferior mould. When brought into asso- 
ciation with this class, those who have placed them- 
selves without reserve on the side of Christ will stand 
firmly by that which reason and conscience tell them 
is right. 



Tlie Intermediate Sellout 



227 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



Value of the Common 
Branches 



Ed., pp. 234-239. 



Influence op Assocl\tion 



Test. Vol. 1, pp. 400-405, 512, 
513. 

Test. Vol. 2, pp. 222, 407, 408. 

Test. Vol. 3, pp. 41-47 (court- 
ship), 362-367. 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 209, 435, 436, 
587-591, 622-624. 

Test. Vol. 5, pp. 111-113 
(courtship), 222, 223, 542- 
546. 



THE TEACHER AND THE WORK 

''The Lord eternar hath given me 
a tongue for teaching," "that T 
should know how to speak a word 
in season to him that is weary. ' ' 

SO]\rE OF THE CHRISTIAN TEACHER'S 
NEEDS 

To the teacher is comniitted a most important 
work, — a work upon which he should not enter with- 
out careful and thorough preparation. He should 
feel the sacredness of his calling, and give himself 
to it with zeal and devotion. The more of true 
knowledge a teacher has, the better will be his work. 
The schoolroom is no place for surface work. No 
teacher who is satisfied with superficial knowledge 
will attain a high degree of efficiency. 

But it is not enough that the teacher possess natu- 
ral ability and intellectual culture. These are indis- 
pensable, but without a spiritual fitness for the work 
he is not prepared to engage in it. He should see 
in every pupil the handiwork of Grod, — a candidate 
for immortal honors. He should seek so to edu- 
cate, train, and discipline the youth that each may 
reach the high standard of excellence to which God 
calls him. 

The purpose of education is to glorify God; to 
enable men and women to answer the prayer, "Thy 
kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is 
in heaven." Matt. 6:10. God invites teachers to 

[229J 



230 Counsels to Teachers 

be His helping hand in carrying out this purpose. 
He asks them to bring into their work the principles 
of heaven, the A B C of true education. The teacher 
who has not yet learned these principles should be- 
gin now to study them. And as he learns, he will 
develop a fitness to teach others. 

A PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST 

Every Christian teacher should have an intelligent 
understanding of what Christ is to him individually. 
He should know how to make the Lord his strength 
and efficiency; how to commit the keeping of his soul 
to God as unto a faithful Creator. From Christ pro- 
ceeds all the knowledge essential to enable teachers 
to be workers together with God, — knowledge which 
opens to them the widest fields of usefulness. 

Many do not appreciate this knowledge, bait in 
obtaining an education they seek for that which will 
be regarded by their fellow-men as wonderful knowl- 
edge. Teachers, let your boasting be in God, not in 
science, not in foreign languages or in anything else 
that is merely human. Let it be your highest am- 
bition to practise Christianity in your lives. 

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the 
Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning." 
Hosea 6 : 3. As the light of the sun shines with in- 
creasing power from morning till noonday, so, as 
you advance in the opening light of God's word, you 
will receive more light. 

Those who accept the responsibility that rests upon 
all teachers should be constantly advancing. They 
should not be content to dwell on the lowlands of 
Christian experience, but should be ever climbing 



The Chnstion Teaclirr's Needs 231 

higher. With the word of the Lord in their liands, 
and tlic love of souls pointing them to constant dili- 
gence, they should advance step by step in efficiency. 



Every teacher should daily receive instruction from 
Christ, and should labor constantly under His guid- 
ance. It is impossible for him rightly to understand 
or to perform his vv^ork unless he is much with God 
in prayer. Only by divine aid, combined with ear- 
nest, self-denying effort, can he hope to do his work 
wisely and well. 

Unless the teacher realizes the need of prayer, and 
humbles his heart before God, he will lose the very 
essence of education. He should know how to pray, 
and what language to use in prayer. "I am the 
vine," Jesus said, "ye are the branches: he that 
abideth in ]\Ie, and I in him, the same bringeth forth 
much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." 
John 15 : 5. The teacher should let the fruit of faith 
be manifest in his prayers. He should learn how to 
come to the Lord and plead with Him until he re- 
ceives the assurance that his petitions are heard. 

DEAT.TNG W^ITH STUDENTS AS INDIVIDUALS 

The teacher should carefully study the disposition 
and character of his pupils, that he may adapt his 
teaching to their peculiar needs. He has a garden 
to tend, in which are plants differing widely in na- 
ture, form, and development. A few may appear 
beau'fiful and symmetrical, but many have become 
dwarfed and misshapen by neglect. Those to whom 



232 Counsels to Teachers 

was committed the care of these plants, left them to 
the mercy of circumstances, and now the difficulties 
of correct cultivation are increased tenfold. 



HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT 

No one branch of study should receive special at- 
tention to the neglect of others equally important. 
Some teachers devote much time to a favorite branch, 
drilling students upon every point, and praising them 
for their progress, while in other essential studies 
these students may be deficient. Such instructors 
are doing their pupils a great wrong. They are de- 
priving them of that harmonious development of the 
mental powers which they should have, as well as of 
knowledge which they sorely need. 

In these matters, teachers are too often controlled 
])y ambitious and selfish motives. While they labor 
with no higher object, they cannot inspire their* 
pupils with noble desires or purposes. The keen, 
active minds of the youth are quick to detect every 
defect of character, and they will copy defects far 
more readily than they will the graces of the Holy 
Spirit. 

THE POWER OF A HAPPY DISPOSITION 

Continual association with inferiors in age and 
mental training tends to make the teacher tenacious 
of his rights and opinions, and leads him to guard 
jealously his position and dignity. Such a spirit 
is opposed to the meekness and humility of Christ. 
A neglect to cherish these graces hinders ad,vance- 
ment in the divine life. Many thus build barriers 



The Christian Teacher's Needs 233 

between themselves and Jesus, so that His love can- 
not tlow into their hearts, and then they complain 
that they do not see the Sun of Righteousness. Let 
them forget self, and live for Jesus, and the light of 
heaven will bring gladness to their souls. 

No man or woman is fitted for the work of teach- 
ing who is fretful, impatient, arbitrary, or dicta- 
torial. These traits of character work great harm in 
the schoolroom. Let not the teacher excuse his wrong 
course by the plea that he has naturally a hasty 
temper, or that he has erred ignorantly. In his posi- 
tion he stands where ignorance or lack of self- 
control is sin. He is w^riting upon souls lessons that 
will be carried all through life, and he should train 
himself never to speak a hasty w^ord, never to lose 
his self-control. 

Above all others, he who has the training of the 
youth should beware of indulging a morose or gloomy 
disposition; for this will cut him off from sympathy 
with his students, and without sympathy he cannot 
hope to benefit them. We should not darken our own 
path or the path of others with the shadow of our 
trials. We have a Saviour to wdiom to go, into whose 
pitying ear we may pour every complaint. We may 
leave all our cares and burdens wdth Him, and then 
our labor will not seem hard or our trials severe. 

"Rejoice in the Lord alway," the apostle Paul 
exhorts; "and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:4. 
Whatever your disposition may be, God is able so 
to mould it that it will be sweet and Christlike. By 
the exercise of living faith you can separate from 
everything that is not in accordance with the mind of 
God, and thus bring heaven into your life here below. 



234 dounsels to Teachers 

Doing this, you Avill have sunshine at every step. 
When the enemy seeks to enshroud the soul with dark- 
ness, sing faith and talk faith, and you will find that 
you have sung and talked yourself into the light. 

We open to ourselves the flood-gates of woe or joy. 
If we permit our thoughts to be engrossed with the 
troubles and trifles of earth, our hearts vrill be filled 
with unbelief, gloom, and foreboding. If we set our 
affections on things above, the voice of Jesus will 
speak to our hearts, murmuring will cease, and vex- 
ing thoughts will be lost in praise to our Redeemer. 
Those who dwell upon God's great mercies, and are 
not unmindful of His lesser gifts, will put on the 
girdle of gladness, and make melody in their hearts 
to the Lord. Then they will enjoy their work. They 
will stand firm at their post of duty. They Avill have 
a placid temper, a trustful spirit. 

INCREASE BY USE 

The teacher should not think that all his time is 
to be spent in the study of books. By putting into 
practice what he learns he will obtain more than he 
will by mere study. As he uses his knowledge, he 
will receive more. Some who have l3ut one talent 
feel that they can do nothing. They hide their talent 
in the earth, as it were; and because they receive no 
increase, they murmur against God. But if they 
would use the ability given them, their talent would 
double. It is by a faithful use of talents that they 
are multiplied. As we use aright the advantages 
God gives us. He increases our capabilities for 
service. 



The Christian Teacher's Needs 235 

Because you are teachers, do not think that it is 
unnecessary to obtain a training in the simplest duties 
of life. Because you are studying books, do not 
neglect the every-day duties around you. Wherever 
you are, weave into your life all the usefulness pos- 
sible, and you will find your minds more capable 
of expansion, more vigorous in grasping the lessons 
you endeavor to learn. By performing with faith- 
fulness every practical duty that falls to you, you 
are becoming better qualified to educate those who 
need to learn how to do these things. 

AN APPEAL 

There are some who love the society of the world, 
who regard the companionship of the worldling as 
something to be desired above the companionship of 
those who love God and keep His commandments. 
Teachers, know enough to obe}^ God. Know enough 
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to wear the yoke 
of Christ. Do you desire the wisdom of God? Then 
humble yourselves before Him; walk in the way of 
His commandments; determine that you will make 
the most of every opportunity granted you. Gather 
every ray of light that falls across your pathway. 
Follow the light. Bring the teachings of truth into 
your life practice. As you humble yourselves under 
the mighty hand of God, He will lift you up. Com- 
mit your work to Him; labor in faithfulness, in sin- 
cerity, in truth, and you will find that each day's 
labor brings its reward. 

Teachers must have a living faith or they will be 
separate from Christ. The Saviour does not ask how 
much favor you have with the world, how much 



236 Counsels to Teachers 

praise you are receiving from human lips; but He 
does ask you to live so that He can put His seal 
upon you. Satan is seeking to cast his shadow across 
your pathway, that he may hinder the success of 
your work. You must have within you a power from 
above, that in the name of Jesus of Nazareth you 
may resist the power which is working from beneath. 
To have in the heart the Spirit of Christ is of 
infinitely more consequence than the possession of 
worldly recognition. 

To the teacher is committed a great work, — a 
work for which, in his own strength, he is wholly 
insufficient. Yet if, realizing his own weakness, he 
clings to Jesus, He will become strong in the strength 
of the Mighty One. He must bring to his difficult 
task the patience, forbearance, and gentleness of 
Christ. His heart must glow with the same love 
that led the Lord of life and glory to die for a lost 
world. Patience and perseverance will not -fail of 
a reward. The best efforts of the faithful teacher will 
sometimes prove unavailing, yet he will see fruit for 
his labor. Noble characters and useful lives will 
richly repay his toil and care. 



-®- 



Human nature is worth working upon. It is to be 
elevated, refined, sanctified, and fitted with the in- 
ward adorning. Through the grace of God in Jesus 
Christ, which reveals salvation and immortality and 
life, His heritage are to be educated, not in the 
minutife of etiquette, the world's fashions and forms, 
but in the science of godliness. 



THE NECESSITY OF DOING OUR BEST 

The Lord has made provision that the nobler 
powers of the mind should be trained for high pur- 
suits. But instead of this, men pervert the faculties 
of the mind, and press them into the service of tem- 
poral interests, as if the attainment of the things of 
this earth were of supreme importance. In this way 
the higher powers are dwarfed, and men remain un- 
qualified for the duties of life that devolve upon 
them. If the nobler powers of the mind are not cul- 
tivated, they fail to act with integrity, even in the 
obligations relating to this life. It is Satan's design 
that the faculties of the mind shall become belittled 
and sensualized; but it is not God's will that any 
should yield the mind to the control of the evil one. 
In intellectual and in spiritual pursuits, He would 
have His children make progress. ... 

The life-work given us is that of preparation for 
the life eternal. If we accomplish this work as God 
designs we shall, every temptation may work for our 
advancement; for as we resist its allurements, we 
make progress in the divine life. In the heat of the 
conflict, unseen agencies will be by our side, com- 
manded of heaven to aid us in our wrestlings; and 
in the crisis, strength and firmness and energy will be 
imparted to us, and we shall have more than mortal 
power. 

But unless the human agent brings his will into 
harmony with the will of God, unless he forsakes 
every idol and overcomes every wrong practice, he 

[237J 



238 Counsels to Teachers 

will not succeed in the warfare, but will be finally 
overcome. Those who would be conquerors must 
engage in conflict with unseen agencies; inward cor- 
ruption must be overcome, and every thought must 
be brought into subjection to Christ. 

The Holy Spirit is ever at work, seeking to purify, 
refine, and discipline the souls of men, in order that 
they may become fitted for the society of saints and 
angels. ... As children of God, we should make 
earnest efforts to be overcomers ; and as students who 
seek to honor and glorify God, we should study to 
show ourselves approved of Him, workmen that need 
not to be ashamed. 

THE RIGHT USE OF THE GIFT OF SPEECH 

The workman for God should make earnest efforts 
to become a representative of Christ, discarding all 
uncomely gestures and uncouth speech. He should 
endeavor to use correct language. There is a large 
class who are careless in the way they speak, yet by 
careful, painstaking attention, these may become rep- 
resentatives of the truth. Every day they should 
make advancement. They should not detract from 
their usefulness and influence by cherishing defects 
of manner, tone, or language. Common, cheap ex- 
pressions should be replaced by sound, pure words. 
By constant watchfulness and earnest discipline, the 
Christian youth may keep his tongue from evil and 
his lips from speaking guile. 

We should be careful not to give an incorrect pro- 
nunciation of our words. There are men among us 
who in theory know better than to use incorrect lan- 
guage, yet who in practice make frequent mistakes. 



The Nfcrssifij nf Doing Our Best 239 

The Lord would have us careful to do our best, 
making wise use of our faculties and opportunities. 
He has endowed men with gifts with which to bless 
and edify others; it is our duty so to educate our- 
selves that we may be fitted for the great work com- 
mitted to us. . . . 

In reading or in recitation the pronunciation should 
be clear. A nasal tone or an ungainly attitude 
should be at once corrected. Any lack of distinct- 
ness should be marked as defective. Many have 
allowed themselves to form the habit of speaking in 
a thick, indistinct way, as if their tongue were too 
large for their mouth. This habit has greatly hin- 
dered their usefulness. 

If those who have defects in their manner of ut- 
terance will submit to criticism and correction, they 
may overcome these defects. They should persever- 
ingly practise speaking in a low, distinct tone, exer- 
cising the abdominal muscles in deep breathing, and 
making the throat the channel of communication. 
Many speak in a rapid way, and in a high, unnatural 
key. Such a practice will injure the throat and 
lungs. As a result of continual abuse, the weak, 
inflamed organs will become diseased, and consump- 
tion may result. 



Ministers and teachers should give special atten- 
tion to the cultivation of the voice. They should 
learn to speak, not in a nervous, hurried manner, but 
with slow, distinct, clear utterance, preserving the 
music of the voice. The Saviour's voice was as music 
to the ears of those who had been accustomed to the 



240 Counsels to Teachers 

monotonous, spiritless preaching of the scribes and 
Pharisees. He spoke slowly and impressively, em- 
phasizing those words to which He wished His hear- 
ers to give special heed. Old and young, ignorant 
and learned, could catch the full meaning of His 
words. This would have been impossible had He 
spoken in a hurried way, and rushed sentence upon 
sentence without pause. The people were very at- 
tentive to Him, and it was said of Him, that He 
spoke not as the scribes and Pharisees ; for His word 
was as of one who had authority. . . . 

Christ's manner of teaching was beautiful and at- 
tractive, and it was ever characterized by simplicity. 
He unfolded the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven 
through the use of figures and symbols with which 
His hearers were familiar; and the common people 
heard Him gladly, for they could comprehend His 
words. There were no high-sounding words used, to 
understand which it was necessary to consult a dic- 
tionary. 

Jesus illustrated the glories of the kingdom of 
God by the use of the experiences and occurrences 
of earth. In compassionate love and tenderness He 
cheered and comforted and instructed all who heard 
Him; for grace was poured upon His lips that He 
might convey to men in the most attractive way the 
treasures of truth. 

This is the way in which He would have us pre- 
sent His truth to others. The power of speech is of 
great value, and the voice should be cultivated for 
the blessing of those with whom we come in contact. 



The Necess-Hij of Doing Our Best 241 

IN PRAYER 

I am pained as I see how little the gift of speech 
is appreciated. In reading the Bible, in engaging 
in prayer, in bearing testimony in meeting, how 
necessary is clear, distinct utterance ! And how much 
is lost in family worship when the one offering prayer 
bows the face down and speaks in a low, feeble voice ! 
But as soon as family worship is over, those who 
could not speak loud enough to be heard in prayer, 
can usually speak in clear, distinct tones, and there 
is no difficulty in hearing what they say. Prayer 
tliat is thus uttered is appropriate for the closet, but 
not edifying in family or public worship; for unless 
those assembled can hear what is said, they cannot 
say Amen. Nearly all can speak loud enough to be 
heard in ordinary conversation, and why should they 
not speak thus when called upon to bear testimony 
or to offer prayer? 

When speaking of divine things, why not speak 
in distinct tones, and in a manner that will make it 
manifest that you know whereof you speak, and are 
not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as 
if you had a conscience void of offense, and could 
come to the throne of grace in humility, yet with holy 
boldness, lifting up holy hands without wrath and 
doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your 
faces as if there were something that you desired to 
conceal; but lift up your eyes toward the heavenly 
sanctuary, where Christ your Mediator stands before 
the Father to present your prayers, mingled with His 
own merit and spotless righteousness, as fragrant 
incense. 

16 — Counsels 



242 Coumels to Tcacko's 

You are invited to come, to ask, to seek, to knock; 
and you are assured that you will not come in vain. 
Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, 
and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto 
you : for every one that asketh receiveth ; and he that 
seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall 
be opened." Matt. 7:7, 8. 

Christ illustrates the willingness of God to bless 
by the willingness of a father to grant the request 
of his child. He says: "If a son shall ask bread of 
any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone ? 
or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a ser- 
pent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a 
scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give 
good gifts unto your children: how much more shall 
your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them 
that ask Him?" Luke 11:11-13. 

We come to God in the name of Jesus by special 
invitation, and He welcomes us to His audience- 
chamber. He imparts to the humble, contrite soul 
that faith in Christ by which he is justified. Jesus 
blots out as a thick cloud his transgressions, and the 
comforted heart exclaims, "0 Lord, I will praise 
Thee : though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger 
is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me." Isa. 
12 : 1. Such a one will understand by his own ex- 
perience the words of Paul, "With the heart man 
believeth unto righteousness ; and with the mouth con- 
fession is made unto salvation. ' ' Rom. 10 : 10. 

Man then becomes an agent whom God can employ 
to work out His purposes. He represents Christ, 
holding forth to the world His mercy and love. He 
has a testimony that he desires others to hear. In 



The Necessity of Doing Our Best 243 

the language of the psalmist he says: "lUess the 
Lord, my soul : and all that is within me, bless His 
holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget 
not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniqui- 
ties; wlio healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy 
life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving- 
kindness and tender mercies." Ps. 103: 1-4. 

IN WITNESSING FOR CHRIST 

God has given us the gift of speech that we may 
recite to others His dealing with us, that His love 
and compassion may touch other hearts, and that 
praise may arise from other souls also to Him who 
has called them out of darkness into His marvelous 
light. The Lord has said, "Ye are My witnesses." 
Isa. 43 : 10, But all who are called to be witnesses 
for Christ must learn of Him, that they may be effi- 
cient witnesses. As children of the heavenly King, 
they should educate themselves to bear testimony in 
a clear, distinct voice, and in such a manner that 
no one may receive the impression that they are re- 
luctant to tell of the mercies of the Lord. 

In social meeting, prayer should be offered so that 
all may be edified; those who take part in this exer- 
cise should follow the example given in the Lord's 
beautiful prayer for the world. This prayer is 
simple, clear, comprehensive, and yet not long and 
spiritless, as the prayers offered in public sometimes 
are. These spiritless prayers might better not be 
uttered; for they are a mere form, without vital 
power, and they fail to bless or edify. 

The apostle Paul writes : ' ' Even things without life 
giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give 



244 Counsels to Teachers 

a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known 
what is piped or harped? for if the trumpet give an 
uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the 
battle ? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue 
words easy to be understood, how shall it be known 
what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 

"There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in 
the world, and none of them is without signification. 
Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, 
I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and 
he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even 
so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, 
seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." 
1 Cor. 14 : 7-12. 

In all our religious services we should seek to con- 
duct ourselves in a way that will edify others, work- 
ing as much as lies in our i^ower for the perfection 
of the church. "Wherefore let him that speaketh in 
an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For 
if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, 
but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it 
then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray 
with the understanding also. . . . Else when thou 
shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occu- 
pieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy 
giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what 
thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but 
the other is not edified. 

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than 
ye all : yet in the church I had rather speak five words 
with my understanding, that hy my voice I might 
teach others also, than ten thousand words in an un- 
known tongue. ' ' 1 Cor. 14 : 13-19. 



The Necessity of Doing Our Best 245 

The principle presented by Paul concerning the 
gift of tongues is equally applicable to the use of the 
voice in prayer and social meeting. We would not 
have any one. who is defective in this respect cease 
from offering public prayer, or from bearing witness 
to the power and love of Christ. 

I do not write these things to silence you, for there 
has already been too much silence in our meetings; 
but I write that you may consecrate j^our voice to 
Him who gave you this gift, and may realize the 
necessity of cultivating it so that you may edify the 
church by what you say. If you have acquired the 
habit of speaking in a low, indistinct way, you should 
regard it as a defect, and put forth earnest efforts 
to overcome, that you may honor God and edify His 
cliildren. 

In our devotional meetings, our voices should ex- 
press by prayer and praise our adoration of the heav- 
enly Father, that all may know that we worship God 
in simplicity and truth, and in the beauty of holi- 
ness. Precious indeed in this world of sin and ig- 
norance is the gift of speech, the melody of the human 
voice, when devoted to the praise of Him who hath 
loved us and given Himself for us. 

CONSECRATION OF THE VOICE 

The gift of speech has been greatly abused and 
widely perverted from its intended purpose; but let 
those who claim to be children of the heavenly King 
awake to their responsibility, and make the most of 
this talent. Let no one say, "It is of no use for me 
to try to pray; for others do not hear me." Rather 
let him say, "I will make earnest effort to overcome 



24f) (^ouns;('ls to Trachcrfi 

this God-dislionoring habit of speaking iu a low, in- 
distinct tone. I will put myself under discipline until 
my voice shall 1)0 audi])le even to those who are dull 
of hearing." 

Let the voices of the followers of Christ he so 
trained that instead of crowding words together in 
a thick, indistinct way, their utterance may be clear, 
forcible, and edifying. Do not let the voice fall after 
each word, but keep it up so that each sentence will 
be full and complete. Will it not be worth disci- 
plining yourself, if by so doing you are able to add 
interest to the service of God and to edify His 
children? The voice of thanksgiving, praise, and 
rejoicing is heard in heaven. The voices of the an- 
gels in heaven unite with the voices of the children 
of God on earth as they ascribe honor and glory 
and praise to God and to the Lamb for the great sal- 
vation provided. 

Let every one seek to do his best. Let those who 
have enlisted under the banner of Prince Emmanuel 
grow daily in grace and efficiency. Let the teachers 
in our institutions endeavor so to train their stu- 
dents in all lines of education, that they may come 
forth properly disciplined to bless mankind and to 
glorify God. 

It is essential that students be trained to read in 
a clear, distinct tone. We have been pained as we 
have attended conference meetings, tract society meet- 
ings, and meetings of various kinds, where reports 
w^ere read in an almost inaudible voice, or in a hesi- 
tating manner or a muffled tone. One half the in- 
terest in a meeting is killed when the participants do 
their part in an indifferent, spiritless fashion. They 



The Nccf.^sihi of DoiiH/ Our Jirst 247 

should learn to speak in siicli a way that they can 
edify those who listen. Let every one connected with 
missionary work qualify himself to speak in a clear, 
attractive way, enunciating his words perfectly. 

The proper use of the vocal organs will bring 
l)enetit to the physical health, and increase the use- 
fulness and influence. It is through falling into bad 
habits of speech that people become tedious readers 
and speakers; but those who are looked upon as in- 
telligent enough to become missionary workers or to 
transact business, ought to have intelligence enough 
to reform in their manner of speaking. By judicious 
exercise they may expand the chest and strengthen 
the muscles. By giving heed to proper instruction, 
by following health principles in regard to the ex- 
pansion of the lungs and the culture of the voice, 
our young men and w^omen may become speakers who 
can be heard; and the exercise necessary for this 
accomplishment will prolong life. 

Those who gain correct ideas on the subject of 
voice culture will see the necessity of educating and 
training themselves so that they may honor God and 
bless others. They will put themselves under pa- 
tient, efficient teachers, and learn to read in a way 
that wall preserve the melody of the voice. With an 
eye single to the glory of God they will make the 
most of their natural abilities. Commanding their 
own powers, they will not be embarrassed by defects 
of speech, and their usefulness in the cause of God 
will be increased. 



A DEEPER CONSECRATION 

The teachers employed in our schools should be 
acquainted with God by an experimental knowledge. 
They should know Him because they obey all the 
commandments He has given. Jehovah engraved His 
ten commandments on tables of stone, that all the in- 
habitants of earth might understand His eternal, 
unchangeal)le character. Those teachers who desire 
to advance in learning and proficiency, need to lay 
liold of these wonderful revelations of God. But it 
is only as heart and mind are brought into liarmony 
with God that they will understand the divine re- 
quirements. 

None need concern themselves about those things 
which tile Lord has not revealed to us. In these days, 
speculation will abound, but God declares, ''The se- 
cret things belong unto the Lord." Deut. 29:29. 
The voice that spoke to Israel from Sinai is speaking 
in these last days to men and women, saying, "Thou 
shalt have no other gods before Me." Ex. 20:3. 
The law of God was written with His own finger on 
tables of stone, thus showing that it could never be 
changed or abrogated. It is to be preserved through 
the eternal ages, immutable as the principles of His 
government. Men have set their will against the 
will of God, but this cannot silence His words of 
wisdom and command, though they may set their 
speculative theories in opposition to the teachings of 
revelation, and exalt human wisdom a1)0ve a plain 
''Thus saith the Lord." 
[248] 



A Deeper Consecration 249 

It should be the determination of every soul, not 
so much to seek to understand all about the condi- 
tions that will prevail in the future state, as to know 
what the Lord requires of him in this life. It is 
the will of God that each professing Christian shall 
perfect a character after the divine similitude. By 
studying the character of Christ revealed in the 
Bible, by practising His virtues, the believer will 
be changed into the same likeness of goodness and 
mercy. Christ's work of self-denial and sacrifice 
brought into the daily life, will develop the faitli 
that works by love and purifies the soul. There are 
many who wish to evade the cross-bearing part, but 
the Lord speaks to all when He says, "If any man 
will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take 
up his cross, and follow Me." Matt. 16:24. 

A great work is to be accomplished by the setting 
forth of the saving truths of the Bible. This is the 
means ordained of God to stem the tide of moral 
corruption in the earth. Christ gave His life to 
make it possible for man to be restored to the image 
of God. It is the power of His grace that draws 
men together in obedience to the truth. Those who 
would experience more of the sanctification of the 
truth in their own souls, should present this truth 
to those who are ignorant of it. Never will they find 
a more elevating, ennobling work. 

THE TEACHER AN EVANGELIST 

The w^ork of educating our youth as outlined for 
us in the instruction given by God, is to be sacredly 
maintained. We must choose as teachers those who 



250 Co^iufiels to Tfachrrfi 

will educate in right lines. Said my Instructor: 
''Let not teachers be chosen to educate and train 
the youth who will not maintain the simplicity of 
Christ's methods. His teachings contain the very 
essence of sanctified simplicity." 

Those who present matters to the students in an 
uncertain light are not fitted for the work of teach- 
ing. No man is qualified for this work unless he is 
daily learning to speak the words of the Teacher 
sent from God. Now is the time to sow the gospel 
seed. The seed we sow must be that which will pro- 
duce the choicest fruit. We have no time to lose. 
The work of our schools is to become more and more 
in character like the work of Christ. Only the power 
of the grace of God working on human hearts and 
minds will make and keep the atmosphere of our 
schools and churches clean. 

There have been teachers in our schools who could 
pass well in a worldly institution of learning, but 
who were unfitted for the training of our youth be- 
cause they were ignorant of the truths of the gospel 
of Christ. They were unable to bring the simplic- 
ity of Christ into their labors. It should be the work 
of every teacher to make prominent those truths that 
have called us out to stand as a peculiar people be- 
fore the world, and which are able to keep us in 
harmony with heaven's laws. In the messages that 
have been sent us from time to time, we have truths 
that will accomplish a wonderful work of reform in 
our characters if we will give them place. They 
will prepare us for entrance into the city of God. 
It is our privilege to make continual advancement 
to a higher grade of Christian living. 



A Dapo' ('(msccraliiin 261 

liOMA LINDA 

Cue night I was awakened and iustriu'tcd to write 
a straiglit testimony regarding the work of our school 
at Louia Linda. By that school a solemn, sacred 
work is to be done. Tlie teachings of health reform 
are to stand out clearly and brightly, that all the 
youth in attendance may learn to practise them. All 
our educators should be strict health reformers. 

The Lord desires that genuine missionaries shall 
go out as pioneers from our schools. They are to be 
fully consecrated to the work, as laborers together 
with God daily enlarging their sphere of usefulness. 
The influence of a consecrated medical missionary 
teacher in our schools is invaluable. 

We need to be converted from our faulty lives to 
the faith of the gospel. Christ's followers have no 
need to try to shine. If they will behold constantly 
the life of Christ, they will be changed in mind and 
heart into the same image. Then they will shine 
without any superficial attempt. The Lord asks for 
no display of goodness. In the gift of His Son, He 
has made provision that our inward lives may be 
imbued with the principles of heaven. It is the 
appropriation of this provision that will lead to a 
manifestation of Christ to the world. When the 
people of God experience the new birth, their hon- 
esty, their uprightness, their fidelity, their steadfast 
principles, will unfailingly reveal it. 

0, what words were spoken to me! What gentle- 
ness w^as recommended through the grace abundantly 
given ! The greatest manifestation that men and 
women can make of the grace and power of Christ, 
is made when the natural man becomes a partaker of 



252 Counsels to Teachers 

the divine nature, and through the power that the 
grace of Christ imparts, overcomes the corruption 
that is in the world through lust. 

May 17, 1908. 

® 

There is a fulness of experience for every teacher 
to gain. The studies you take will either strengthen 
your faith and confidence in God, and teach you how 
to work as His helping hand; or they will leave you 
in a worse condition than you were before. Those who 
work out the principles that the Lord has given, will 
stand on vantage-ground. The mercies and blessings 
of heaven will come into their lives, enabling them to 
work out the will of God. 

Teach the simple principles of the word of God, 
making the Bible the foundation of your study. The 
true higher education is that which is received by 
sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning of Him. Let 
your character-building be after the pattern revealed 
to man in the life of Christ. 

In all your work you must do as the husbandman 
does in laboring for the fruits of the earth. Ap- 
parently he throws away the seed; but, buried in 
the soil, the seed germinates. The power of the 
living God gives it life and vitality, and there is 
seen "first the blade, then the ear, after that the 
full corn in the ear. ' ' Mark 4 : 28. Study this won- 
derful process. Oh, there is so much to learn, so 
much to understand ! If we improve our minds to 
the utmost of our ability, we shall through the eter- 
nal ages continue to study the ways and works of 
God, and to know more and more of Him. 



THE IMPORTANCE OF SIMPLICITY 

To the Teachers at Berrien Springs: 

I have an earnest desire that you shall every day 
be learning of the great Teacher. If you will first 
draw nigh to God and then to yonr students, you 
can do a very precious work. If you are diligent and 
humble, God will daily give you knowledge and an 
aptitude to teach. Do your very best to impart to 
others the blessings He has given you. 

With a deep, earnest interest to help your students, 
carry them over the ground of knowledge. Come as 
close to them as you can. Unless teachers have the 
love and gentleness of Christ abounding in their 
hearts, they will manifest too much of the spirit of 
a harsh, domineering schoolmaster. "Keep your- 
selves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of 
our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some 
have compassion, making a difference : and others 
save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating 
even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 21-23. 

The Lord wishes you to learn how to use the gospel 
net. Many need to learn this art. In order for you 
to be successful in your work, the meshes of your 
net — the application of the Scriptures — must be 
close, and the meaning easily discerned. Then make 
the most of drawing in the net. Come right to the 
point. Make your illustrations self-evident. How- 
ever great a man's knowledge, it is of no avail unless 
he is able to communicate it to others. Let the 

[253] 



25-1: Counsels to Teachers 

pathos of your voice, its deep feeling, make its im- 
pression on hearts. Urge your students to surrender 
themselves to God. 

Teachers, remember that the Lord is your strength. 
Strive to give the students ideas that will be to them 
a savor of life unto life. Teach by illustrations. Ask 
God to give you words to speak that all can un- 
derstand. 

A little girl once asked me, ''Are you going to 
speak this afternoon?" "No, not this afternoon," 
I replied. "I am very sorry," she said. "I thought 
you were going to speak, and I asked several of my 
companions to come. Will you please ask the min- 
ister to speak easy words that we can understand? 
Will you please tell him that we do not understand 
large words, like 'justification' and 'sanctification'? 
We do not know what these words mean." 

The little girl's complaint contains a lesson worthy 
of consideration by teachers and ministers. Are there 
not many who would do well to heed the request, 
"Speak easy words, that we may know what you 
mean"? 

Make your explanations clear; for I know that 
there are many who do not understand many of the 
things said to them. Let the Holy Spirit mould and 
fashion your speech, cleansing it from all dross. 
Speak as little children, remembering that there are 
many well advanced in years who are but little chil- 
dren in understanding. 

By earnest prayer and diligent effort we are to 
obtain a fitness for speaking. This fitness includes 
uttering every sj^llable clearly, placing the force and 
emphasis where it belongs. Speak slowly. Many 



The JniporliDice of R'uu pJiciii) 



9nr» 



speak rapidly, Inirrying one word after another so 
fast tliat the effect of what they say is lost. Into 
what you say put the spirit and life of Christ. 

On a certain occasion, wlien Betterton, the cele- 
brated actor, was dining with Dr. Sheldon, Arch- 
bishop of Canter])ury, the Archbishoj) said to him, 
''Pray, Mr. Betterton, tell me why it is that you 
actors affect your audiences so powerfully by speak- 
ing of things imaginary." "My lord," replied Bet- 
terton, "with due submission to your Grace, permit 
me to say that the reason is plain : it all lies in the 
power of enthusiasm. We on the stage speak of 
things imaginary as if they were real; and you in 
the pulpit speak of things real as if they were 
imaginary." 

"Feed My lambs;" "feed My sheep," was the com- 
mission given to Peter. "And when thou art con- 
verted, strengthen thy brethren." John 21:15, 16; 
Luke 22 : 32. To those who hear, the gospel is made 
the power of God unto salvation. Present the gospel 
in its simplicity. Follow Christ's example, and you 
will have the reward of seeing your students won 
to Him. 

Sanitarium, Cal., July 6, 1902, 

® 

Our people are now being tested as to whether 
they will obtain their wisdom from the greatest 
Teacher the world ever knew, or seek to the god of 
Ekron. Let us determine that we will not be tied 
by so much as a thread to the educational policies of 
those who do not discern the voice of God, and who 
will not hearken to His commandments. 



A CAUTION 

''Know ye not that they which run in a race run 
all, but one receiveth the prize ? So run, that ye may 
obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery 
is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain 
a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I 
therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not 
as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my 
body, and bring it into subjection : lest that by any 
means, when I have preached to others, I myself 
should be a castaway." 1 Cor. 9:24-27. 

I am constantly })resenting the need of every man 
doing his best as a Christian, of training himself to 
realize the growth, the expansion of mind, the nobility 
of character, which it is possible for each to have. 
In all that we do, we are to sustain a Christlike re- 
lation to one another. We are to use every spiritual 
force for the carrying out of wise plans in earnest 
action. The gifts of God are to be used for the sav- 
ing of souls. Our relations to one another are not 
to be governed by human standards, but by divine 
love, the love expressed in the gift of God to our 
world. 

The man who stands in a position of responsibility 
in any of our schools, cannot be too careful of his 
words and his acts. Never should he allow the least 
approach to familiarity in his relations to the stu- 
dents, such as placing his hand on the arm or shoul- 
der of a girl student. He should in no case give the 
impression that commonness and familiarity are al- 
[25G] 



A Caution 257 

lowable. His lips and his hands are to express noth- 
ing that any one could take advantage of. 

In the past not all of our teachers have been clear 
and true and linn in this respect. They need to see 
things in an altogether different light regarding the 
relations that should exist between the teacher and 
the student. The life and character must be kept 
from every stain of evil. Every unholy passion must 
be kept under the control of sanctified reason through 
the grace abundantly bestowed of God. 

We are living in an atmosphere of satanic witchery. 
The enemy will weave a spell of licentiousness around 
every soul that is not barricaded by the grace of 
Christ. Temptations will come; but if we watch 
against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self- 
control and purity, the seducing spirits will have no 
influence over us. Those who do nothing to encour- 
age temptation will have strength to withstand it 
when it comes; but those who keep themselves in an 
atmosphere of evil will have only themselves to blame 
if they are overcome and fall from their steadfast- 
ness. In the future, good reasons will be seen for 
the warnings given regarding seducing spirits. Then 
will be seen the force of Christ's words, "Be ye 
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in 
heaven is perfect. ' ' Matt. 5 : 48. 

We are to be guided by true theology and common 
sense. Our souls are to be surrounded by the at- 
mosphere of heaven. Men and women are to watch 
themselves ; they are to be constantly on guard, allow- 
ing no word or act that would cause their good to be 
evil spoken of. He who professes to be a follower 
of Christ is to watch himself, keeping himself pure 

17 — Counsels 



258 Coniisrls to Tcadicr^ 

and undefiled in tliouglit, word, and deed. His in- 
fluence upon others is to be uplifting. His life is to 
reflect the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. 

There is need that much time be spent in secret 
prayer, in close communion with God. Thus only- 
can victories be won. Eternal vigilance is the price 
of safety. 

The Lord's covenant is with His saints. Every one 
is to discern his weak points of character, and guard 
against them with rigor. Those who have been buried 
with Christ in baptism, and been raised in the like- 
ness of His resurrection, have pledged themselves 
to live in newness of life. "If ye then be risen with 
Christ, seek those things which are above, where 
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your 
affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in 
God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then 
shall ye also appear with Him in glory. ' ' Col. 3 : 1-4. 



-0- 



The Christian youth should be trained to bear re- 
sponsibilities with brave heart and willing hand. He 
should learn to encounter the trials of life with pa- 
tience and fortitude, to follow maxims of worth, and 
to confirm himself in habits that will enable him to 
win the victor's crown. There is no time more favor- 
able in which to acknowledge the power of Christ's 
saving grace and to be controlled by the principles 
of the divine law. 



Wherever in His providence God has placed you, 
He will keep you. "As thy days, so shall thy 
strength be." Deut 33:25. 



THE GREAT TEACHER 

Christ was the greatest teacher the world has ever 
known. He came to this earth to shed abroad the 
bright beams of truth, that men might gain a fitness 
for heaven. ''For this cause came I into the world," 
He declared, "that I should bear witness unto the 
truth." John 18:37. He came to reveal the char- 
acter of the Father, that men might be led to wor- 
ship Him in spirit and in truth. 

Man's need for a divine teacher was known in 
heaven. The pity and sympathy of God were aroused 
in behalf of human beings, fallen and bound to 
Satan's chariot car; and when the fulness of time 
was come, He sent forth His Son. The One ap- 
pointed in the councils of heaven came to this earth 
as man's instructor. The rich benevolence of God 
gave Him to our world; and to meet the necessities 
of human nature He took humanity upon Himself. 
To the astonishment of the heavenly host, the Eternal 
Word came to this world as a helpless babe. Fully 
prepared. He left the royal courts, and mysteriously 
allied Himself with fallen human beings. ' ' The Word 
was made flesh, and dwelt among us." John 1:14. 

When Christ left His high command, He might 
have taken upon Him any condition in life that He 
chose. But greatness and rank were nothing to Him, 
and He chose the most humble walk of life. No 
luxury, ease, or self-gratification came into His ex- 
perience. The truth of heavenly origin was to be 
His theme ; He was to sow the world with truth ; and 
He lived in such a way as to be accessible to all. 

[259] 



260 Counsels to Teachers 

That during His childhood Christ should grow in 
wisdom and in favor with God and man, was not a 
matter of astonishment; for it was according to the 
laws of His divine appointment that His talents 
should develop and. His faculties strengthen. He did 
not seek an education in the schools of the rabbis; 
for God was His instructor. As He grew older, He 
continued to increase in wisdom. He applied Him- 
self diligently to a study of the Scriptures; for He 
knew them to be full of invaluable instruction. He 
was faithful in the discharge of His home duties; 
and the early morning hours, instead of being spent 
in bed, often found Him in a retired place, searching 
the Scriptures and praying to His heavenly Father. 

All the prophecies concerning His work and media- 
tion were familiar to Him, especially those having 
reference to His humiliation, atonement, and inter- 
cession. The object of His life on earth was ever 
before Him, and He rejoiced to think that the gra- 
cious purpose of the Lord should prosper in His 
hands. 

Of Christ's teaching it is said, ''The common people 
heard Him gladly." Mark 12:37. "Never man 
spake like this man" (John 7:46), declared the of- 
ficers who were sent to take Him. His words com- 
forted, strengthened, and blessed those who were 
longing for the peace that He alone could give. There 
was in His words that which lifted His hearers to a 
high plane of thought and action. If these words, 
instead of the words of men, were given to the 
learner to-day, we should see evidences of higher 
intelligence, a clearer comprehension of heavenly 



The Great Teacher 261 

things, a deeper knowledge of God, a purer, more 
vigorous Christian life. 

Christ's illustrations were taken from the things 
of daily life, and although they were simple, they 
had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The 
birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the growing 
seed, the shepherd and the sheep, — with these things 
Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever after- 
ward, when His hearers chanced to see these objects, 
they recalled His words. Thus the truth became a 
living reality; the scenes of nature and the daily 
affairs of life were ever repeating to them the Sa- 
viour's teaching. 

Christ always used simple language, yet His words 
tested the knowledge of deep, unprejudiced thinkers. 
His manner of teaching should be followed by teach- 
ers of to-day. Spiritual truths should always be 
presented in simple language, that they may be 
comprehended, and find lodgment in the heart. 
Thus Christ addressed the crowds that pressed and 
thronged about Him ; and all, learned and unlearned, 
were able to comprehend His lessons. 

In every school the instruction given should be as 
easy to understand as was that given by Christ. 
The use of long words confuses the mind and eclipses 
the beauty of the thought presented. There is need 
of teachers who will come close to their students, and 
who will give clear, definite instruction, illustrating 
spiritual things by the things of nature, and by the 
familiar events of every-day experience. 

The Bible reveals Christ to us as the Good Shep- 
herd, seeking with unwearied feet for the lost sheep. 
By methods peculiarly His own, He helped all who 



262 Covnf;fl.9 to Teaclier^ 

were in need of help. With lender, eourteons grao(^ 
He ministered to sin-sick souls, bringing healing and 
strength. The simplicity and earnestness with which 
He addressed those in need, hallowed every word. 
He proclaimed His message from the mountain-side, 
from the fisherman's boat, in the desert, in the great 
thoroughfares of travel. Wherever He found those 
ready to listen, He was ready to open to them the 
treasure-house of truth. He attended the yearly fes- 
tivals of the Jewish nation, and to the multitudes, 
absorbed in outward ceremony, He spoke of heav- 
enly things, bringing eternity within their view. 

The Saviour's entire life was characterized by 
disinterested benevolence and the beauty of holiness. 
He is our pattern of goodness. From the beginning 
of His ministry, men began to comprehend more 
clearly the character of God. He carried out His 
teachings in His own life. He showed consistency/ 
without obstinacy, benevolence without weakness, 
tenderness and sympathy without sentimentalism. 
He was highly social, yet He possessed a reserve that 
discouraged any familiarity. His temperance never 
led to bigotry or austerity. He was not conformed 
to the world, yet He was attentive to the wants of 
the least among men. 

"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed 
garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in His 
apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength?" 
Isa. 63: 1. With assurance comes the answer: ''With- 
out controversy great is the mystery of godliness: 
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, 
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed 
on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Tim. 



Thr a real Teacher 2Cu^ 

:]:\{'). "Heiiii;' in the i*orin oJ' God," He ''tliouglit 
it not, i'()l)l)ery to be equal witli God: but made Hini- 
selt' of no reputation, and took upon Him the form 
of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men : 
and being found in fasliion as a man. He liumbled 
Himself, and- became ol)edient unto death, even the 
death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly 
exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above 
every name : that at the name of Jesus every knee 
should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, 
and things under the earth; and that every tongue 
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory 
of God the Father." Phil. 2:6-11. 

Teachers can gain efficiency and power only by 
working as Christ worked. When He is the most 
powerful influence in their lives, they will have suc- 
cess in their efforts. They will rise to heights that 
they have not yet gained. They will realize the 
sacredness of the work entrusted to them, and filled 
with His Spirit, they wall be animated with the same 
desire to save sinners that animated Him. And by 
their lives of consecration and devotion, their stu- 
dents will be led to the feet of the Saviour. 



® 

Students cannot afford to wait till their education 
is considered complete, before using for the good of 
others that which they have received. Without this, 
however they may study, however much knowledge 
they may gain, their education will be incomplete. 



CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE 

Dealing with human minds is the most delicate 
work ever entrusted to mortals, and teachers need 
constantly the help of the Spirit of God, that they 
may do their work aright. Among the youth at- 
tending school will be found great diversity of char- 
acter and education. The teacher will meet with 
impulse, impatience, pride, selfishness, undue self- 
esteem. Some of the youth have lived in an element 
of arbitrary restraint and harshness, which has de- 
veloped in them a spirit of obstinacy and defiance. 
Others have been treated as pets, allowed by overfond 
parents to follow their own inclinations. Defects 
have been excused until the character is deformed. 

To deal successfully with these different minds, 
the teacher needs to exercise great tact and delicacy 
in management, as well as firmness in government. 
Dislike and even contempt for proper regulations 
will often be manifested. Some will exercise their 
ingenuity in evading penalties, while others will dis- 
play a reckless indifference to the consequences of 
transgression. All this will call for patience and 
forbearance and wisdom on the part of those en- 
trusted with the education of these youth. 

THE STUDENT ^S PART 

Our schools have been established that in them the 
youth may learn to obey God and His law, and be- 
come fitted for service. Rules for the conduct of 
tliose who attend, are necessary, and the students 
[264] 



Christian Disciplitie 265 

should act in harmony with these regulations. No 
student should think that because he has been allowed 
to rule in the home, he can rule in the school. Sup- 
pose that this were allowed; how could the youth be 
trained to be missionaries? Each student entering 
one of our schools should place himself under dis- 
cipline. Those who refuse to obey the regulations 
should return to their homes. 

The teachers are to bind the students to their 
hearts by the cords of love and kindness and strict 
discipline. Love and kindness are worth nothing 
unless united with the discipline that God has said 
should be maintained. Students come to school to 
be disciplined for service, trained to make the best 
use of their powers. If on coming they resolve to 
co-operate with their teachers, their study will be 
worth much more to them than if they give up to 
the inclination to be rebellious and lawless. Let them 
give the teachers their sympathy and co-operation. 
Let them take firm hold of the arm of divine power, 
determining not to turn aside from the path of duty. 
Let them harness their wrong habits, and exert all 
their influence on the right side. Let them remember 
that the success of the school depends upon their con- 
secration and sanctification, upon the holy influence 
they feel bound to exert. Let them set their mark 
high, and be determined to reach it. When asked to 
go contrary to the rules of the school, let them an- 
swer with a decided No. 

THE TEACHER ^S P.AilT 

And every teacher has his own wrong traits of 
character to watch, lest the enemy use him as an 



266 Couvsch to Teachers 

agent to destroy souls. The teacher's safety lies in 
learning daily in the school of Christ. He who leanis 
in this school will hide self in Jesus, and will re- 
member that as he deals with his students, he is 
dealing with a blood-l)ought heritage. In this school 
he will learn to be patient, humble, generous, noble. 
The moulding hand of God will bring out in the 
character the divine image. 

Let Christ's methods be followed in dealing with 
those who make mistakes. Unwise actions, the mani- 
festation of undue severity on the part of the teacher, 
may thrust a student upon Satan's battle-ground. 
Prodigals have been kept out of the kingdom of God 
by the unchristlikeness of those who claimed to be 
Christians. "Whoso shall offend one of these little 
ones which believe in Me," Christ said, "it were 
better for him that a millstone were hanged about his 
neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the 
sea.^' Matt. 18:6. It were better not to live than 
to exist day by day devoid of that love which Christ 
has enjoined upon His children. 

A Christlike nature is not selfish, unsympathetic, 
cold. It enters into the feelings of those who are 
tempted, and helps the one who has fallen to make 
the trial a stepping-stone to higher things. The Chris- 
tian teacher will pray for and with an erring student, 
but he wdll not get angry with him. He will not 
speak sharply to the wrong-doer, thus discouraging 
a soul who is struggling with the powers of dark- 
ness. He will let his heart ascend to God for help; 
and angels wdll come to his side, to help him in lift- 
ing up the standard against the enemy; thus instead 



Clirisddn DiscipUiir. 207 

ol" cuttiug oft' the erriug- uue from help, lie will he 
enabled to ^iniii a soul fur Christ. 

Pl'BIJC KXPOSUKK OF WKOXCi-DOING 

Great care should be shown iu regard to making 
public the errors of students. To make public ex- 
posure of wrong is harmful in every respect to the 
wrong-doer, and has no beneficial influence upon the 
school. It never helps a student to humiliate him 
before his fellow-students. This heals nothing, cures 
nothing, but makes a wound that mortifies. 

The love that suffers long, and is kind will not mag- 
nify an indiscretion into an unpardonable offense, 
neither will it make capital of others ' misdoings. The 
Scriptures plainly teach that the erring are to be 
treated with forbearance and consideration. If the 
right course is follow^ed, the apparently obdurate 
heart may be won to Christ. The love of Jesus covers 
a multitude of sins. His grace never leads to the 
exposing of another's wrongs, unless it is a positive 
necessity. 

We are living in a hard, unfeeling, uncharitable 
world. Satan and his angels are using every means 
in their power to destroy souls. The good that a 
teacher will do his students will be proportionate to 
his belief in them. And let the teacher remember 
that it is the most unfortunate, those who have a dis- 
agreeable temperament, who are rough, stubborn, 
sullen, that most need love, compassion, and help. 
Those w^ho most try our patience most need our love. 

We shall pass through this world but once; any 
good that we can do, we should do earnestly, untir- 



268 Counsels to Teachers 

ingly, in the spirit that Christ brought into His 
work. How can students who are greatly in need 
of help be encouraged to press on in the right 
way ? — Only by treating them with the love that 
Christ revealed. You may say we should treat them 
as they deserve. What if Christ treated us thus? 
He, the sinless One, was treated as we deserve, that 
we, fallen and sinful, might be treated as He de- 
served. Teachers, treat your unpromising students 
as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut 
them off from hope and spoil your influence. Will 
this pay ? — No, a hundred times, no. Bind the one 
who needs your help close to a loving, sympathizing 
heart, and you will save a soul from death, and hide 
a multitude of sins. 

EXPELLING STUDENTS 

Great care should be exercised in the matter of 
expelling students. There are times when this must 
be done. It is a painful task to separate from the 
school the one who incites others to disobedience and 
disloyalty; but for the sake of the other students, 
this is sometimes necessary. God saw that if Satan 
were not expelled from heaven, the angelic host would 
be in constant danger ; and when God-fearing teachers 
see that to retain a student is to expose others to 
evil influences, they should separate him from the 
school. But it should be a very grave fault that calls 
for this discipline. 

When, in consequence of transgression, Adam and 
Eve were cut off from all hope, when justice de- 
manded the death of the sinner, Christ gave Himself 



Christian Discipline 269 

as a sacrifice. "Herein is love, not that we loved 
God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be 
the propitiation for our sins.'' "All we like sheep 
have gone astray; we have turned every one to his 
own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity 
of us all." 1 John 4: 10; Isa. 53 : 6. 

In dealing with their students, teachers are to show 
the love of Christ. Without this love, they will be 
harsh and dictatorial, driving souls away from the 
fold. They must be minute-men, ever on guard over 
self, and improving every opportunity to do good *to 
those in their care. Let them remember that every 
one of our schools is to be an asylum for the sorely 
tried youth, where their follies will be wisely and 
patiently dealt with. 

Teachers and students are to come close together 
in Christian fellowship. The youth will make many 
mistakes, and the teacher is never to forget to be 
compassionate and courteous. Never is he to seek 
to show his superiority. The greatest of teachers are 
those who are most patient, most kind. By their 
simplicity and their willingness to learn, they encour- 
age their students to climb higher and still higher. 

Let teachers remember their own faults and mis- 
takes, and strive earnestly to be what they wish their 
students to become. In their treatment of the youth, 
let them be wise and pitiful. Let them not forget 
that these youth are in need of wholesome, encour- 
aging words and helpful deeds. Teachers, treat your 
students as Christ's children, whom He wants you to 
help in every time of need. Make friends of them. 
Give them practical evidence of your unselfish in- 
terest in them. Help them over the rough places. 



270 Counsels to Teachers 

Patiently, tenderly strive to win tlieni to Jesus. Eter- 
nity alone will reveal the results of such effort. 



-<s>- 



More harm than good results from the practice of 
offering prizes and rewards. By it the ambitious 
pupil is stimulated to greater effort. Those whose 
mental powers are already too active for their physi- 
cal strength, are urged on to grasp subjects too 
difficult for the young mind. The examinations also 
are a trying ordeal for pupils of this class. Many 
a promising student has suffered severe illness, per- 
haps death, as the result of the effort and excitement 
of such occasions. Parents and teachers should be 
on their guard against these dangers. 



Attention to form and ceremony should not occupy 
time and strength that rightfully belong to things 
more essential. Everything in this age of corrup- 
tion is perverted to display and outward appearance ; 
but this spirit should not find place in our schools. 
We should teach Bible manners, purity of thought, 
strict integrity. This is valuable instruction. If the 
teachers have the mind of Christ, and are being 
moulded by the Holy Spirit, they will be kind, at- 
tentive, and truly courteous. If they work as in the 
sight of heaven, they will be Christian ladies and 
gentlemen. Their refined bearing will be a constant 
object-lesson to the students, who, though at first 
they may be somewhat uncultured, will day by day 
be moulded by its influence. 



The Teacher and the Work '271 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



Some of the Christian Ed., pp. 233-239, 253-201. 

Teacher's Needs M. of H., pp. 509-513. 

Test. Vol. 6, pp. 152-161. 

The Necessity of Doing Ed., p. 199. 

Our Best C. O. L., pp. 335-339. 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 404, -405. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 380-383. 

The Great Teacher Ed., pp. 73-96, 231, 232. 

Acts, pp. 17-24. 
Test. Vol. 2, pp. 579, 580. 

Christian Discipline Ed., pp. 240-245, 280, 287- 

297. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 199, 200, 

419-421. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 168-175. 



STUDY AND LABOR 



Those who recognize science in 
the humblest work, will see in it 
nobility and beauty, and will 
take pleasure in performing it 
with faithfulness and efficiency. 



THE DIGNITY OF LABOR 

Notwithstanding all that has been said and writ- 
ten regarding the dignity of manual labor, the feel- 
ing prevails that it is degrading. Popular opinion 
has, in many minds, changed the order of things, 
and men have come to think that it is not fitting for 
a man who works with his hands to take his place 
among gentlemen. Men work hard to obtain money; 
and having gained wealth, they suppose that their 
money wdll make their sons gentlemen. But many 
such fail to train their sons as they themselves were 
trained, to hard, useful labor. Their sons spend the 
money earned by the labor of others, without under- 
standing its value. Thus they misuse a talent that 
the Lord designed should accomplish much good. 

The Lord's purposes are not the purposes of men. 
He did not design that men should live in idleness. 
In the beginning He created man a gentleman; but 
though rich in all that the Owner of the universe 
could supply, Adam was not to be idle. No sooner 
was he created than his work was given him. He 
was to find employment and happiness in tending the 
things that God had created; and in response to his 

[273] 
18 — Counsels 



274 Counsels to Teachers 

labor, his wants were to ])e abundanlly supplied from 
tlie fruits of the garden of Eden. 

While OLir first parents olieyed God, tlieir lal)or in 
tlie garden was a pleasure; and the earth yielded of 
its abundance for their wants. But when man de- 
parted from obedience, he was doomed to wrestle 
with the seeds of Satan's sowing, and to earn his 
bread by the sweat of his brow. Henceforth he must 
battle in toil and hardship against the power to Avliicli 
he had yielded his will. 

It Avas God's purpose to alleviate by toil tlu^ evil 
brought into the world by man's disobedience. By 
toil the temptations of Satan might ])e made inef- 
fectual, and the tide of evil stayed. And though 
attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, lal)oi* 
is still a source of happiness and development, and 
a safeguard against temptation. Its discipline places 
a check on self-indulgence, and promotes industry, 
purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God's 
great plan for our recovery from the fall. 

MANUAL LABOR VERSUS (lAMMS 

The public feeling is, that manual labor is de- 
grading, yet men may exert themselves as much as 
they choose at cricket, baseball, or in pugilistic con- 
tests, without being regarded as degraded. Satan is 
delighted when he sees human beings using their 
physical and mental powers in that which does not 
educate, which is not useful, which does not helj) 
them to be a blessing to those who need their help. 
While the youth are becoming expert in games that 
are of no real value to themselves or to others, Satan 
is playing the game of life for their souls, taking 



The Dignity of Lahor 275 

from them the talents that God has given them, and 
placing in their stead his own evil attributes. It is 
his effort to lead men to ignore God. He seeks to 
engross and absorb the mind so completely that God 
will find no place in the thoughts. He does not wish 
people to have a knowledge of their Maker, and He 
is well pleased if he can set in operation games and 
theatrical performances that will so confuse the 
senses of the youth that God and heaven will be 
forgotten. 

One of the surest safeguards against evil is useful 
occupation, while idleness is one of the greatest 
curses; for vice, crime, and poverty follow in its 
wake. Those who are always busy, who go cheer- 
fully about their daily tasks, are the useful members 
of society. In the faithful discharge of the various 
duties that lie in their pathway, they make their lives 
a blessing to themselves and to others. Diligent labor 
keeps them from many of the snares of him who 
"finds some mischief still for idle hands to do." 

A stagnant pool soon becomes offensive; but a 
flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the 
land. The one is a symbol of the idle, the other of 
the industrious. 

MANUAL TRAINING AMONG THE ISRAELITES 

In God's plan for Israel, every family had a home 
on the land, with sufficient ground for tilling. Thus 
were provided both the means and the incentive for 
a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And 
no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. 
To the world's departure from it is owing, to a 



276 Counsels to Teachers 

large degree, the poverty and wretchedness that exist 
to-day. 

By the Israelites, industrial training was regarded 
as a duty. Every father was required to see that 
his sons learned some useful trade. The greatest men 
of Israel were trained to industrial pursuits. A 
knowledge of the duties pertaining to housewifery 
was considered essential for every woman; and skill 
in these duties was regarded as an honor to women 
of the highest station. 

Various industries were taught in the schools of 
the prophets, and many of the students sustained 
themselves by manual labor. 

Christ's example 

The path of toil appointed to the dwellers on 
earth may be hard and wearisome, but it is honored 
by the footprints of the Redeemer, and he is safe 
who follows in this sacred way. By precept and 
example, Christ has dignified useful labor. From 
His earliest years He lived a life of toil. The greater 
part of His earthly life was spent in patient work 
in the carpenter's shop at Nazareth. In the garb of 
a common laborer the Lord of life trod the streets 
of the little town in which He lived, going to and 
returning from His humble toil; and ministering 
angels attended Him as He walked side by side with 
peasants and laborers, unrecognized and unhonored. 

When He went forth to contribute to the support 
of the family by His daily toil, He possessed the same 
power as when on the shores of Galilee He fed five 
thousand hungry souls with five loaves and two 
fishes. But He did not employ His divine power to 



The Dignity of Labor 211 

lessen His burdens or lighten His toil. He had taken 
upon Himself the form of humanity, with all its 
attendant ills, and He did not flinch from its sever- 
est trials. He lived in a peasant's 'home; He was 
clothed with coarse garments; He mingled with the 
lowly; He toiled daily with patient hands. His 
example shows us that it is man's duty to be indus- 
trious, and that labor is honorable. 

THE RELATION BETWEEN CHRISTIx\.NITY AND 
HUMAN EFFORT 

The things of earth are more closely connected with 
heaven, and are more directly under the supervision 
of Christ, than many realize. All right inventions 
and improvements have their source in Him who is 
wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. The 
skilful touch of the physician's hand, his power over 
nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate 
mechanism of the body, is the wisdom of divine 
power, to be used in behalf of the suffering. The skill 
with which the carpenter uses his tools, the strengUi 
with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, 
come from God. Whatever we do, wherever we are 
placed, He desires to control our minds, that we may 
do perfect work. 

Christianity and business, rightly understood, are 
not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion 
is to be brought into all that we do and say. Human 
and divine agencies are to combine in temporal as 
well as spiritual achievements. They are to be united 
in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural 
labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. 

There is a remedy for indolence, and that is to 



278 Counsels to Teachers 

throw off sluggishness as a sin that leads to perdition, 
and go to work, using with determination and vigor 
the physical ability that God has given. The only 
cure for a useless, inefficient life is determined, per- 
severing effort. Life is not given us to be spent in 
idleness or self -pleasing ; before us are placed great 
possibilities. In the capital of strength a precious 
talent has been entrusted to men for labor. This is 
of more value than any bank deposit, and should be 
more highly prized; for through the possibilities that 
it affords for enabling men to lead a useful, happy 
life, it may be made to yield interest and compound 
interest. It is a ])lessing that cannot be purchased 
with gold or silver, houses or lands; and God requires 
it to be used wisely. No man has a right to sacrifice 
this talent to the corroding ioHiience of inaction. All 
are as accountable for the capital of physical strength 
as for their capital of means. 

The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle 
to the strong; and those w^ho are diligent in business 
nfay not always be prospered. But it is "the hand 
ol* the diligent" that "maketh rich." And while 
indolence and drowsiness grieve the Holy Spirit and 
destroy true godliness, they also tend to poverty and 
want. "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack 
hand." Prov. 10:4. 

Judicious labor is a healthful tonic for the human 
race. It makes the feeble strong, the poor rich, the 
wretched happj^ Satan lies in ambush, ready to de- 
stroy those whose leisure gives him opportunity to 
approach them under some attractive disguise. He is 
never more successful than when he comes to men 
in their idle hours. 



The /)i(/uifij of Labor 279 

THE LESSON OF COXTExXTED INDUSTRY 

Among the evils resulting from wealth, one of tlie 
greatest is the fashionable idea that work is degrad- 
ing. The prophet Ezekiel declares: "Behold, this 
was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness 
of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and 
in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand 
of the poor and needy." Eze. IG : 49. Here are pre- 
sented before us the terri])]e results of idleness, which 
enfeebles the mind, debases the soul, and perverts the 
understanding, making a curse of that which was 
given as a blessing. It is the working man or woman 
who sees something gi-eat and good in life, and who 
is willing to liear its responsil)ilities with faith and 
hope. 

The essential lesson of contented industry in the 
necessary duties of life, is yet to be learned by many 
of Christ's followers. It requires more grace, more 
stern discipline of character, to work for God in the 
capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmei*, 
(tarrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordi- 
nary business of life, than to labor as an acknowl- 
edged missionary in the open field. It requires a 
strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into the work- 
shop and the business office, sanctifying the details 
of every-day life, and ordering every transaction ac- 
cording to the standard of God's word. But this is 
what the Lord requires. 

The apostle Paul regarded idleness- as a sin. He 
learned the trade of tent-making in its higher and 
lower branches, and during his ministry he often 
worked at this trade to support himself and others. 



280 Counfiels to Teachers 

Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. As 
he worked, the apostle had access to a class of people 
whom he could not otherwise have reached. He 
showed his associates that skill in the common arts 
is a gift from God. He taught that even in every- 
day toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened 
] lands detracted nothing" from the force of his pa- 
thetic appeals as a Christian minister. 

God designs that all shall be workers. The toil- 
ing beast of burden answers the purpose of its crea- 
tion better than does the indolent man. God is a 
constant worker. The angels are workers; they are 
ministers of God to the children of men. Those who 
look forward to a heaven of inactivity will be disap- 
pointed ; for the economy of heaven provides no place 
for the gratification of indolence. But to the weary 
and heavy laden rest is promised. It is the faithful 
servant who will })e welcomed from his labors to the 
joy of his Lord. He will lay off his armor with re- 
joicing, and will forget tlie noise of battle in the 
glorious rest prepared for those who conquer through 
the cross of Calvary. 



On every hand parents are neglecting to instruct 
and train their children for useful labor. The youth 
are allowed to grow up in ignorance of simple and 
necessary duties. Those who have been thus unfortu- 
nate must awake, and take the burden of the matter 
upon themselves; if they ever expect to succeed in 
life, they must find incentives to the useful employ- 
ment of their God-given powers. 



WORDS OF COUNSEL 

It is in the order of God that the physical as well 
as the mental powers shall be trained; but the char- 
acter of the physical exercise taken should be in com- 
plete harmony with the lessons given by Christ to 
His disciples. Those lessons should be exemplified 
in the lives of Christians, so that in all the educa- 
tion and self-training of teachers and students, the 
heavenly agencies may not record of them that they 
are "lovers of pleasures." This is the record now 
being made of a large number, "Lovers of pleasures 
more than lovers of God.'* 2 Tim.. 3:4. Thus 
Satan and his angels are laying their snares for 
souls. They are working upon the minds of teach- 
ers and students to induce them to engage in ex- 
ercises and amusements which become intensely ab- 
sorbing, and which are of a character to strengthen 
the lower passions, and to create appetites and pas- 
sions that will counteract the operations of the Spirit 
of God upon human hearts. 

All the teachers in a school need exercise, a change 
of employment. God has pointed out what this 
should be, — useful, practical work. But many have 
turned away from God's plan to follow human in- 
ventions, to the detriment of spiritual life. Amuse- 
ments are doing more to counteract the working of 
the Holy Spirit than anything else, and the Lord 
is grieved. 

Those teachers w^ho have not a progressive relig- 
ious experience, who are not learning daily lessons 

[2811 



282 Coun.^^els io Teachers 

in the school of Christ, that they may be examples 
to the flock, ])nt who accept their wages as the main 
consideration, are not fit for the solemn position they 
occupy. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves," 
the word of God declares, "and to all the flock, over 
the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, 
to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased 
with His own blood." "Feed the flock of God whieli 
is among you, taking tlie oversight thereof, not by 
constraint, but willing!}^; not for filthy lucre, ])ut of 
a ready mind." Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2. These 
words are spoken to the teachers in all our schools, 
which are established, as God designed they sliould 
be, after the example of the schools ol' tlie prophets, 
to impart knowledge of a high oi-der, not mingling 
dross N^'ith the silver. l>iit false ideas and unsound 
practices are leavening that which should ever be kept 
pure, institutions in which th>' hive and iVar of God 
should ever be first. 

Let the teachers learn daily lessons in llic school 
of Christ. "Take jMy yoke upon you, and Icjirn of 
Me," He says; "for T am meek and h)\vly in heart: 
and ye shall find rest unto your souls." JMatt. 11 : 28. 
There is altogether too little of Christ and too much 
of self. But those who are under the dictation of the 
Spirit of God, under the rule of Christ, will be en- 
samples to the flock. When the Chief Shepherd shall 
appear, these will receive the crown of life that fad- 
eth not away. 

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the 
elder. Yea, all of you be sul)ject one to another, and 
be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, 
and givetli grace to the hund)le. Humble yourselves 



Words of Counsel 283 

therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He 
may exalt you in due time." 1 Peter 5:5, 6. 

All self-uplifting works out the natural result, — 
making character of which God cannot approve. 
Work and teach; work in Christ's lines, and then 
you will never work in your own weak ability, but 
will have the co-operation of the divine. 

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary 
the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking 
whom he may devour. ' ' 1 Peter 5 : 8. He is on the 
playground, watching your amusements, and catch- 
ing every soul whom he finds off guard, sowing his 
seeds in human hearts, and gaining control of human 
minds. He is present in every exercise in the school- 
room. Those students who allow their minds to be 
deeply excited over games, are not in the best condi- 
tion to receive the instruction, the counsel, the re- 
proof, most essential for them. 

Physical exercise was marked out by the God of 
wisdom. Some hours each day should be devoted to 
useful education in lines of work that will help the 
students in learning the duties of practical life, 
which are essential for all our youth. 

There is need of every one in every school and in 
every other institution being, as was Daniel, in such 
close connection with the Source of all wisdom, that 
he will be enabled to reach the highest standard in 
every line. The love and fear of God was before 
Daniel; and conscious of his amenability to God, he 
trained all his powers to respond as far as possible 
to the loving care of the great Teacher. The four 
Hebrew children would not allow selfish motives and 
love of amusements to occupy the golden moments of 



284 Counsels to Teachers 

life. They worked with willing heart and ready 
mind. This is no higher standard than every Chris- 
tian youth may reach. 



■^ 



Our workers — ministers, teachers, physicians, di- 
rectors — all need to remember that they are pledged 
to co-operate with Christ, to obey His directions, to 
follow His guidance. Every hour they are to ask and 
receive power from on high. They are to cherish a 
constant sense of the Saviour's love, of His efficiency, 
His watchfulness, His tenderness. They are to look 
to Him as the shepherd and bishop of their souls. 
Then they will have the sympathy and support of 
the heavenly angels. Christ will be their joy and 
crown of rejoicing. Their hearts will be controlled 
by the Holy Spirit, and they will have a knowledge 
of the truth which merely nominal believers can 
never gain. 

We do not half comprehend the significance of 
the Saviour's lessons. We do not realize how much 
they mean to the beings He has created. He loves 
the human race. Do you ask how much ? — I point 
you to Calvary. But earthly cares and earthly in- 
terests hide from our view the things of heavenly 
origin, so that their importance is not understood. 
If ministers and teachers had a deeper sense of their 
spiritual need, they would enter upon their work 
filled with the realization of the sacredness of their 
trust, and a higher life would circulate through our 
churches and institutions. 



PHYSICAL LABOR FOR STUDENTS 

With the present plan of education, a door of temp- 
tation is opened to the youth. Although they gen- 
erally have too many hours of study, they have many 
liours without anything to do. These leisure hours 
are frequently spent in a reckless manner. . . . 
Very many young men who have been religiously 
instructed at home, and who .go out to the schools 
comparatively innocent and virtuous, become cor- 
rupt by associating with vicious companions. They 
lose self-respect, and sacrifice noble principles. Then 
they are prepared to pursue the downward path; 
for they have so abused conscience that sin does not 
appear so exceeding sinful. These evils . . . might 
be remedied in a great degree if study and labor 
could be combined. . . . 

Some students put the whole being into their stud- 
ies, and concentrate their minds upon the object of 
obtaining an education. They work the brain, but 
allow the physical powers to remain inactive. Thus 
the brain is overworked, and the muscles become weak 
because they are not exercised. When these students 
are graduated, it is evident that they have obtained 
their education at the expense of life. They have 
studied day and night, year after year, keeping their 
minds continually upon the stretch, while they have 
failed to exercise their muscles sufficiently. . . . 

Young ladies frequently give themselves up to 
study, to the neglect of other branches of education 
even more essential for practical life than the study 

[285] 



286 Counsels to Teachers 

of books. And after having obtained llieir eJucatioU, 
they are often invalids for life. They have neglected 
their health by remaining too much indoors, deprived 
of the pure air of heaven, and of the God-given sun- 
light. These young women might have come from 
school in health had they combined with their studies 
household labor and exercise in the open air. 

Health is a great treasure. It is the richest pos- 
session that mortals can have. Wealth, honor, or 
learning is dearly purchased if it be at the loss of the 
vigor of health. None of these attainments can se- 
cure happiness, if health is wanting. . . . 

THE CURSE OF INACTION 

In many cases parents who are wealthy do not feel 
the importance of giving their children an education 
in the practical duties of life as well as in the sciences. 
They do not see the necessity, for the good of their 
children's minds and morals, and for their future 
usefulness, of giving them a thorough understanding 
of useful labor. This is due their children, that, 
should misfortune come, they could stand forth in 
noble independence, knowing how to use their hands. 
If they have a capital of strength, they cannot be 
poor, even if they have not a dollar. 

Many who in youth were in affluent circumstances, 
may be robbed of all their riches, and be left with 
parents and brothers and sisters dependent upon them 
for sustenance. Then how important that every youth 
be educated to labor, that he may be prepared for 
any emergency ! Riches are indeed a curse when 
their possessors let them stand in the way of their 



Physical Lnhor for Stvdents 287 

sons aiitl daughters obtaining a knowledge oi* use- 
ful labor, that they may be tiualified for practical 
life. . . . 

Poverty, in many cases, is a ])lessing; for it pre- 
vents youth and children from being ruined by in- 
action. The physical as well as the mental powers 
should be cultivated and properlj^ developed. The 
first and constant care of parents should be to see 
tliat their children liave firm constitutions, that they 
may be sound men and women. It is impossible to 
attain this object without physical exercise. For 
tlieirown physical health and moral good, children 
should be taught to work, even if there is no necessity 
so far as want is concerned. If tliey would have pure 
and virtuous characters, they must have the disci- 
pline of well-regulated labor, wiiich will bring into 
exercise all the muscles. The satisfaction that chil- 
dren have in being useful, and in denying them- 
selves to help others, will be the most healthful 
pleasure they can enjoy. . . . 

Parents, inaction is the greatest curse that ever 
came upon youth. Your daught<'i's should not be 
allowed to lie in l)ed late in the morning, sleeping 
away the precious hours lent them of God to be vised 
for the best purpose, and for which they will have to 
give an account to Him. That mother does her 
daughters great injury who bears the burdens that, 
for their own present and future good, they should 
share with her. . . . 

ADVANTAGES OF PHYSICAL LABOR 

Exercise in household lal)or is of tlie greatest ad- 
vantage to young girls. Physical labor will not pre- 



288 Counsels to Teachers 

vent the cultivation of the intellect ; far from it. The 
advantages gained by physical labor will balance a 
person, and prevent the mind from being overworked. 
The toil will come upon the muscles, and relieve the 
wearied brain. ... A sound body is required for a 
sound intellect. Physical soundness and a practical 
knowledge of all the necessary household duties, will 
never be a hindrance to a well-developed intellect; 
both are highly important. . . . 

Provision should have been made in past genera- 
tions for education upon a larger scale. In connec- 
tion with the schools should have been agricultural 
and manufacturing establishments. There should 
also have been teachers of household labor. And a 
portion of the time each day should have been de- 
voted to labor that the physical and mental powers 
might be equally exercised. If schools had been es- 
tablished on the plan we have mentioned, there would 
not now be so many unbalanced minds. . . . 

A constant strain upon the brain while the muscles 
are inactive, enfeebles the nerves, and gives to stu- 
dents an almost uncontrollable desire for change and 
exciting amusements. When they are released, after 
])eing confined to study several hours each day, they 
are nearly wild. Many have never been controlled 
at home. They have been left to follow inclination, 
and they think that the restraint of the hours of 
study is a severe tax upon them; and because they 
have nothing to do after study hours, Satan sug- 
gests sport and mischief for a change. Their influ- 
ence over other students is demoralizing. . . . 

Had there been agricultural and manufacturing 
establishments connected with our schools, and had 



Physical Labor for ^Students 289 

competent teachers been employed to educate the 
youth in the different branches of study and labor, 
devoting a portion of each day to mental improve- 
ment and a portion to physical labor, there would 
now be a more elevated class of youth to come upon 
the stage of action, to have influence in moulding 
society. Many of the youth graduated from such in- 
stitutions would come forth with stability of char- 
acter. They would have perseverance, fortitude, and 
courage to surmount obstacles, and such principles 
that they would not be swayed by a wrong influence, 
however popular. 

There should have been experienced teachers to 
give lessons to young ladies in the cooking depart- 
ment. Young girls should have been taught how to 
cut, make, and mend garments, and thus become 
educated for the practical duties of life. For young 
men, there should have been establishments where 
they could learn different trades, which would bring 
into exercise their muscles as well as their mental 
powers. 

If the youth can have but a one-sided education, 
which is of the greater consequence, a knowledge of 
the sciences, with all the disadvantages to health and 
life ; or a knowledge of labor for practical life ? We 
unhesitatingly answer. The latter. If one must be 
neglected, let it be the study of books. 

THE EDUCATION OF GIRLS 

There are very many girls who are married and 
have families who have but little practical knowledge 
of the duties devolving upon a wife and mother. 
They can read, and play upon an instrument of 

19 — Counsels 



290 Counsels to Teaclicrs 

music; but they cannot cook. They cannot make 
good bread, which is very essential to the health of 
the family. They cannot cut and make garments, 
for they have never learned how. They regard these 
things as unessential, and in their married life they 
are as dependent upon some one to do these things 
for them as are their own little children. It is this 
inexcusable ignorance in regard to the most needful 
duties of life which makes very many unhappy 
families. . . . 

EQUALIZING LABOR 

The minds of thinking men labor too hard. They 
frequently use their mental powers prodigally; while 
there is another class whose highest aim in life is 
physical labor. The latter class do not exercise the 
mind. Their muscles are exercised, while their brains 
are robbed of intellectual strength ; just as the minds 
of thinking men are worked while their bodies are 
robbed of strength and vigor by their neglect to ex- 
ercise the muscles. ... If the intellectual would to 
some extent share the burden of the laboring class, 
and thus strengthen the muscles, the laboring class 
might do less, and devote a portion of their time to 
mental and moral culture. Those of sedentary and 
literary habits should take physical exercise, even if 
they have no need to labor as far as means are con- 
cerned. Health should be a sufficient inducement to 
lead them to unite physical with mental labor. 

Moral, intellectual, and physical culture should 
be combined in order to have well-developed, well- 
balanced men and women. Some are qualified to ex- 
ercise great intellectual strength, while others are 
inclined to love and enjoy physical labor. Both of 



Physical Labor for StudoiU 291 

these classes should seek to improve where they are 
deficient, that they may present to God their entire 
being, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him, 
which is their reasonable service. . . . 

Those who are content to devote their lives to 
physical labor, and leave others to do the thinking 
for them, while they simply carry out what other 
bi'ains have planned, will have strength of muscle, 
but feeble intellects. Their influence for good is 
small in comparison with what it might be if they 
would use their brains as well as their muscles. This 
class fall more readily if attacked by disease, because 
the system is not vitalized by the electrical force of 
the brain to resist disease. Men who have good 
physical powers should educate themselves to think 
as well as to act, and not depend upon others to be 
brains for them. 

WORK NOT DEGRADING 

It is a popular error with a large class to regard 
work as degrading; therefore young men are very 
anxious to educate themselves to become teachers, 
clerks, merchants, lawyers, and to occupy almost any 
position that does not require physical labor. Young 
women regard housew^ork as belittling. And although 
the physical exercise required to perform household 
labor, if not too severe, is calculated to promote 
health, yet they seek for an education that wall fit 
them to become teachers or clerks, or they learn 
some trade that will confine them indoors, to seden- 
tary employment. . . . 

True, there is some excuse for young women not 
choosing housework for employment, because those 



292 (^oiinseJs lo Ttitvliers 

who hire kitchen girls generally treat them as serv- 
ants. Frequently the employers do not respect them, 
but treat them as if they were unworthy to be mem- 
bers of the family. They do not give them the privi- 
leges they give the seamstress, the copyist, and the 
teacher of music. 

But there can be no employment more important 
than that of housework. To cook well, to place whole- 
some food upon the table in an inviting manner, re- 
quires intelligence and experience. The one who 
prepares the food that is to be placed in the stom- 
ach, to be converted into blood to nourish the system, 
occupies a most important and elevated position. The 
position of copyist, dressmaker, or music teacher can- 
not equal in importance that of the cook. 

A REFORMATORY WORK 

Time is too short now to accomplish that which 
might have been done in past generations; but we 
can do much, even in these last days, to correct the 
existing evils in the education of youth. . . . 

We are reformers. We desire that our children 
should study to the best advantage. In order that 
they may do this, employment should be given them 
which will call the muscles into exercise. Daily 
systematic labor should constitute a part of the edu- 
cation of the youth, even at this late period. Much 
can now be gained by connecting labor with our 
schools. In following this plan, the students will 
realize elasticity of spirit and vigor of thought, and 
will be able to accomplish more mental labor in a 
given time than they could by study alone. And 
they can leave school with their constitutions un- 



I'litisiiul Lahi>r for Slmlfnls 29:^ 

inii)aired, ami wilh struiij^Ui aud courage .to i)erse- 
vere in any position in which the providence oi' God 
may place them. 

Because time is short, we should work with dili- 
gence and double energy. Our children may never 
enter college, but they can obtain an education in 
those essential branches which they can turn to a 
practical use, and which will give culture to the mind, 
and call its powers into exercise. Very many youth 
who have gone through a college course have not 
obtained that true education that they can put to 
practical use. — ''Testimonies for the Churcli," Vol. 
Ill, pp. U8-159. 



I appeal to our churches where there are schools, 
to appoint as teachers of the children and youth those 
who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and who will make 
the word of God the foundation of education. And 
they should teach the youth to keep themselves in 
health by obedience to the laws of right living. 
Teachers and pupils will derive mental and spiritual 
help from self-denial, by practising the principles 
of health reform. They will surely find, as did 
Daniel and his companions, that blessings come from 
conforming the life to God's word. 

' ' Watch and pray, " is an injunction often repeated 
in the Scriptures. In the lives of those who obey this 
injunction, there will be an undercurrent of happi- 
ness that will bless all with whom they are brought 
in contact. Those who are sour and cross in dispo- 
sition will become sweet and gentle; those who are 
proud will become meek and lowly. 



HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY 

Health is an inestimable blessing, and one more 
closely related to conscience and religion than many 
realize. It has a great deal to do with one's capa- 
bility for service, and should be as sacredly guarded 
as the character ; for the more perfect the health, the 
more perfect will be our efforts for the advancement 
of God's cause and for the blessing of humanity. 

There is an important work to be done in our 
schools in teaching the youth the principles of health 
reform. The teachers should exert a reformatory in- 
fluence in the matter of eating, drinking, and dress- 
ing, and should encourage their students to practise 
self-denial and self-control. The youth should be 
taught that all their powers are from God ; that He 
has a claim upon every faculty; and that l)y abusing 
their health in any way they slight one of God's 
choicest blessings. The Lord gives them health to 
use in His service, and the greater their physical 
strength, the stronger their powers of endurance, the 
more they can do for the Master. Instead of abusing 
or overtaxing their physical powers, they should 
jealously guard them for His use. 

Youth is the time to lay up knowledge in those 
lines that can be put into daily practice throughout 
the life. Youth is the time to establish good habits, 
to correct wrong ones, to gain and hold the power of 
self-control, to accustom oneself to ordering all the 
acts of life with reference to the will of God and the 
welfare of one's fellow-creatures. Youth is the sow- 
[294] 



Health and Efflciency 29S 

ing time that determines the harvest of this life and 
the life beyond the grave. The habits formed in child- 
hood and youth, the tastes acquired, the self-control 
gained, are almost certain to determine the future of 
the man or woman. 

The importance of caring for the health should be 
taught as a Bible requirement. Perfect obedience to 
(lod's commands calls for conformity to the laws of 
the being. The science of education includes as full 
a knowledge of physiology as can be obtained. No 
one can properly understand his obligations to God 
unless he understands clearly his obligations to him- 
self as God's property. He who remains in sinful 
ignorance of the laws of life and health, or who wil- 
fully violates these laws, sins against God. 

The time spent in physical exercise is not lost. The 
student who is constantly poring over his books, while 
he takes but little exercise in the open air, does him- 
self an injury. A proportionate exercise of the vari- 
ous organs and faculties of the body is essential to 
the best w^ork of each. When the brain is constantly 
taxed while the other organs are left inactive, there 
is a loss of physical and mental strength. The physi- 
cal powers are robbed of their healthy tone, the mind 
loses its freshness and vigor, and a morbid excita- 
bility is the result. 

In order for men and women to have well-balanced 
minds, all the powers of the being should be called 
into use and developed. There are in this world many 
who are one-sided because only one set of faculties has 
been cultivated, while others are dwarfed from in- 
action. The education of many youth is a failure. 
They overstudy, while they neglect that which per- 



29t> (Juiinsah to Teachtr^ 

tains to the practii-al life. That the balance of the 
mind may be maintained, a judicious system of physi- 
cal work should be combined with mental work, that 
there may be a harmonious development of all the 
powers. 

Students should have manual work to do, and it 
will not hurt them if in doing this work they become 
weary. Do you not think that Christ became weary? 
Indeed He did. Weariness injures no one. It only 
makes' rest the sweeter. The lesson cannot be too 
often repeated, that education will be of little value 
without physical strength with which to use it. When 
students leave college, they should have l)etter health 
and a better understanding of the laws of life than 
when they "entered it. 

OVERSTUDVr 

The student who desires to put the work of two 
years into one should not be permitted to have his 
own way. To undertake to do double work means, 
with many, overtaxation of the mind and neglect of 
physical exercise. It is not reasonable to suppose 
tliat the mind can assimilate an oversupply of mental 
food; and it is as great a sin to overload the mind 
as it is to overload the digestive organs. 

To those who are desirous of becoming efficient 
laborers in the cause of God, I would say, If you 
are putting an undue amount of labor on the brain, 
thinking you will lose ground unless you study all 
the time, you should at once change your views and 
your course. Unless greater care is exercised in this 
respect, there are many who will go down to the 
grave prematurely. 



H faith (in,/ blffnniay 'I'M 

lu regulating tlu' iioiirs U)V sleej), thi'i'C should be 
no haphazard work. Students should not form the 
habit of burning the midnight oil, and taking the 
hours of the day for sleep. If they have been accus- 
tomed to doing this at home, they should correct the 
habit, going to bed at a seasonable hour. They will 
then rise in the morning refreshed for the duties 
of the day. In our schools the lights should be put 
out at half past nine. 

VOICE CULTURE 

Voice culture is a subject that has much to do 
with the health of students. The youth should be 
taught how to breathe properly, and how to read 
in such a way that no unnatural strain shall come on 
the throat and lungs, but that the work shall be 
shared by the abdominal muscles. Speaking from the 
throat, letting the sound come from the upper part 
of the vocal organs, impairs the health of these or- 
gans and decreases their efficienc}^ The abdominal 
muscles are to do the heaviest part of the labor, the 
throat being used as the channel. Many have died 
who might have lived had they been taught how to 
use the voice correctly. The right use of the ab- 
dominal muscles in reading and speaking will x>rove 
a remedy for many voice and chest difficulties, and 
the means of prolonging life. 

DIET 

The character of the food and the manner in 
which it is eaten, exert a pow^erful influence on the 
health. Many students have never made a deter- 
mined effort to control the appetite, or to observe 



298 Counsels io Teachers 

proper rules in regard to eating. Some eat too much 
at their meals, and some eat between meals when- 
ever the temptation is presented. 

The need of carefulness in habits of diet should 
be impressed on the minds of all students. I have 
been instructed that those attending our schools are 
not to be served with flesh foods or with preparations 
of food that are known to be unwholesome. Noth- 
ing that will serve to encourage a desire for stimu- 
lants should be placed on the table. I appeal to all 
to refuse to eat those things that will injure the 
health. Thus they can serve the Lord by sacrifice. 

Those who obey the laws of health will give time 
and thought to the needs of the body and to the laws 
of digestion. And they will be rewarded by clear- 
ness of thought and strength of mind. On the other 
hand, it is possible for one to spoil his Christian ex- 
perience by abuse of the stomach. Those things that 
derange the digestion have a benumbing influence on 
the finer feelings of the heart. That which darkens 
the skin and makes it dingy, also clouds the spirits 
and destroys cheerfulness and peace of mind. Every 
habit that injures the health reacts upon the mind. 
That time is well spent which is directed to the es- 
tablishment and preservation of sound physical and 
mental health. Firm, quiet nerves and a healthy 
circulation help men to follow right principles and to 
listen to the promptings of conscience. 

VENTILATION AND SANITATION 

Special attention should be paid to ventilation and 
sanitation. The teacher should put into practical 
use in the schoolroom his knowledge of the princi- 



Health and Efficiency 290 

pies of physiology and hygiene. He may thus guard 
his pupils from many dangers to which they would 
be exposed through ignorance or neglect of sanitary 
laws. Many lives have been sacrificed because teach- 
ers have not given attention to these things. 

Sudden changes of temperature should be avoided. 
Care should be taken to see that the students do not 
become chilled by sitting in draughts. It is not safe 
for the teacher to regulate the heat of the schoolroom 
by his own feelings. His OAvn good, as well as that 
of the students, demands that a uniform temperature 
be maintained. 

TllE REWARD OF OBEDIENCE 

The brain is the citadel of the being. Wrong 
physical habits affect the brain, and prevent the at- 
tainment of that which the students desire, — a good 
mental discipline. Unless the youth are versed in 
the science of how to care for the body as well as 
for the mind, they will not be successful students. 
Study is not the principal cause of breakdown of 
the mental powers. The main cause is improper diet, 
irregular meals, a lack of physical exercise, and care- 
less inattention in other respects to the laws of 
health. When we do all that we can to preserve the 
health, then we can ask God in faith to bless our 
efforts. 

Before students talk of their attainments in the 
so-called "higher education," let them learn to eat 
and drink to the glory of God, and to exercise brain, 
bone, and muscle in such a way as to tit them for 
the highest service. A student may devote all his 
powers to acquiring knowledge, but as he disobeys 



IMH) ('onnsfls lo Ttdchers 

tlie laws that govern liis beiug, lie will weaken his 
efficiency. By cherishing wrong habits, he loses the 
power of self -appreciation, and he loses self-control. 
He cannot reason correctly about matters that con- 
cern him most deeply, and becomes reckless and irra- 
tional in his treatment of mind and body. 

The obligation resting upon us to keep the body 
in health is an individual responsibility. The Lord 
requires each one to work out his salvation day by 
day. He bids us reason from cause to effect, to re- 
member that we are His property, and to unite with 
Him in keeping the body pure and healthy, and tlio 
whole being sanctified to Him. 

The youth should be taught that they are not at 
liberty to do as they please with their lives. God 
will not hold guiltless those who treat lightly His 
precious gifts. Men should realize that the greater 
their endowment of strength, of talent, of means, or 
of opportunities, the more heavily should the burden 
of God's work rest upon them, and the more they 
should do for Him. The youth who are trained to 
])elieve that life is a sacred trust will hesitate to 
plunge into the vortex of dissipation and crime that 
swallows up so many promising young men o\' 
this age. 



The teacher whose physical powers are already en- 
feebled by disease or overwork, should pay especial 
attention to the laws of health. He should take time 
for recreation. When a teacher sees that his health 
is not sufficient to stand the pressure of heavy study, 
he should heed the admonition of nature, and lighten 
the load. He should not take upon himself responsi- 



Hiiilih (I ltd I'lffic'hucii 301 

bilities outside oi' his school work, which will so lax 
him, physically aud ineutally, that his nervous system 
will be unbalanced; for by this course he will be 
unfitted to deal with minds, and cannot do justice 
either to himself or to his students. 

Sometimes the teacher carries into the schoolroom 
the shadow^ of darkness that has been gathering on 
his soul. He has been overtaxed, and is nervous; or 
dyspepsia has colored everything a gloomy hue. He 
enters the schoolroom with quivering nerves and ir- 
ritated stomach. Nothing seems to be done to please 
him; he thinks that his pupils are bent on showing 
him disrespect; and his sharp criticisms and censure 
are given on the right hand and on the left. Perhaps 
one or more of the students commit errors, or are 
unruly. The case is exaggerated in his mind, and 
he is severe and cutting in his reproof of the one 
whom he thinks at fault. And the same injustice 
afterward prevents him from admitting that he has 
taken a wrong course. To maintain the dignity of 
his position, he has lost a golden opportunity to mani- 
fest the spirit of Christ, perhaps to gain a soul for 
heaven. 

It is the duty of each teacher to do all in his power 
to present his body to Christ a living sacrifice, physi- 
cally perfect, as well as morally free from defilement, 
that Christ may make him a co-worker with Himself 
in the salvation of souls. 



SOME PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHFUL 
DRESSING 

The Bible teaches modesty in dress. "In like 
manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest 
apparel." 1 Tim. 2:9. This forbids display in 
dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any 
device designed to attract attention to the wearer or 
to excite admiration, is excluded from the modest ap- 
parel which God's word enjoins. 

Our dress is to be inexpensive, — not with ''gold, 
or pearls, or costly array." Money is a trust from 
God. It is not ours to expend for the gratification 
of pride or ambition. In the hands of God's children 
it is food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. 
It is a defense to the oppressed, a means of health to 
the sick, of preaching the gospel to the poor. You 
could bring happiness to many hearts by using wisely 
the money that is now spent for show. Consider the 
life of Christ. Study His character, and be par- 
takers with Him in His self-denial. 

In the professed Christian world enough is ex- 
pended for jewels and needlessly expensive dress to 
feed all the hungry and to clothe the naked. Fashion 
and display absorb the means that might comfort the 
poor and the suffering. They rob the world of the 
gospel of the Saviour's love. . . . 

But our clothing, while modest and simple, should 
be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for 
service. It should be chosen for durability rather 
than display. It should provide warmth and proper 

[302] 



Prhiciplrs of Healthful Drc^^ing 30;^ 

protection. The wise woman described in the Prov- 
erbs ''is not afraid of the snow for her household: 
for all her household are clothed with double gar- 
ineuts. " Prov. 31:21, margin. 

Our dress should be cleanly. Uneleanliness in 
dress is unhealthful, and thus defiling to the body and 
to the soul. "Ye are the temple of God. ... If 
any man defile the temple of God, him shall God 
destroy." 1 Cor. 3:16, 17. 

In all respects the dress should be healthful. 
''Above all things," God desires us to "be in health" 
(3 John 2) — health of body and of soul. And we 
are to be workers together with Him for the health 
of both soul and body. Both are promoted by health- 
ful dress. It should have the grace, the beauty, the 
appropriateness of natural simplicity. 

Christ has warned us against the pride of life, 
but not against its grace and natural beauty. He 
pointed to the flowers of the field, to the lily unfold- 
ing in its purity, and said, "Even Solomon in all 
his glory was not arrayed like one of these." ]\ratt. 
,6 : 29. Thus by the things of nature Christ illus- 
trates the beauty that heaven values, the modest 
grace, the simplicity, the purity, the appropriate- 
ness, that would make our attire pleasing to Him. 
The most beautiful dress He bids us wear upon the 
soul. No outward adorning can compare in value 
or loveliness with that ' ' meek and quiet spirit ' ' which 
in His sight is "of great price." 1 Peter 3:4. . . . 

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OP IMPROPER DRESS 

It was the adversary of all good who instigated the 
invention of the ever-changing fashions. He desires 



'^^■i (Juunseh to Ttacktrs 

iiu thing so much as to Ijiing grief and dishonor to 
God by working the misery and ruin of human beings. 
One of the means by which he most effectually accom- 
plishes this is the devices of fashion, that weaken 
the body, as well as enfeeble the mind and belittle 
the soul. 

Women are subject to serious maladies, and their 
sufferings are greatly increased by their manner of 
dressing. Instead of preserving their health for the 
trying emergencies that are sure to come, they by 
their wrong habits too often sacrifice not only health 
but life, and leave to their children a legacy of woe, 
in a ruined constitution, perverted habits, and false 
ideas of life. 

One of fashion's wasteful and mischievous devices 
is the skirt that sweeps the ground. Uncleanly, un- 
comfortable, inconvenient, unhealthful, — all this and 
more is true of the trailing skirt. It is extravagant, 
both because of the superfluous material required, and 
because of the needless wear on account of its length. 
And whoever has seen a woman in a trailing skirt,, 
with hands filled with parcels, attempt to go up or 
down stairs, to enter a street-car, to walk through a 
crowd, to walk in the rain or on a muddy road, needs 
no other proof of its inconvenience and discomfort. 

Another serious evil is the wearing of skirts so 
that their weight must be sustained by the hips. 
This heavy weight, pressing upon the internal organs, 
drags them downward, and causes weakness of the 
stomach, and a feeling of lassitude, inclining the 
wearer to stoop, which further cramps the lungs, mak- 
ing correct breathing more difficult. 



Pi'incrpJcs of Healthful Dressing 305 

Of late years, the dangers resulting from compres- 
sion of the waist have been so fully discussed that 
few can be ignorant in regard to them; yet so great 
is the power of fashion that the evil continues. By 
this practice, women and young girls are doing them- 
selves untold harm. It is essential to health that the 
chest have room to expand to its fullest extent, in 
order that the lungs may be enabled to take full in- 
spiration. When the lungs are restricted, the quan- 
tity of oxygen received into them is lessened. The 
blood is not properly vitalized, and the waste, poison- 
ous matter wliieh should be thrown off through the 
lungs, is retained. Jn addition to this, the circulation 
is hindered; and the internal organs are so cramped 
and crowded .out of place that they cannot perform 
their work properly. 

Tight-lacing does not improve the form. One of 
the chief elements in physical beauty is symmetry, 
the harmonious proportion of parts. And the cor- 
rect model for physical development is to be found, 
not in the figures displayed by French modistes, but 
in the human form as developed according to the laws 
of God in nature. God is the author of all beauty, 
and only as we conform to His ideal shall we ap- 
proach the standard of true beauty. 

Another evil which custom fosters is the unequal 
distribution of the clothing, so that while some parts 
of the body have more than is required, others are 
insufficiently clad. The feet and limbs, being remote 
from the vital organs, should be especially guarded 
from cold by abundant clothing. It is impossible to 
have health when the extremities are habitually cold ; 
for if there is too little blood in them, there will be 

20 — Counsels 



30(] (U)UHscls to T'eaclicrs 

too much in other portions of the body. Perfect 
health requires a perfect circulation; but this cannot 
be had while three or four times as much clothing is 
worn upon the body where the vital organs are situ- 
ated, as upon the feet and limbs. 

A multitude of women are nervous and careworn, 
because they deprive themselves of the pure air that 
would make pure blood, and of the freedom of 
motion that would send the blood bounding through 
the veins, giving life, health, and energy. Many 
women have become confirmed invalids when they 
might have enjoyed health, and many have died of 
consumption and other diseases when they might have 
lived their allotted term of life, had they dressed in 
accordance with health principles, and exercised 
freely in the open air. 

In order to secure the most healthful clothing, the 
needs of every part of the body must be carefully 
studied. The character of the climate, the surround- 
ings, the condition of health, the age and occupation, 
must all be considered. Every article of dress should 
fit easily, obstructing neither the circulation of the 
blood, nor a free, full, natural respiration. Every- 
thing worn should be so loose that when the arms are 
raised, the clothing will be correspondingly lifted. 

Women who are in failing health can do much for 
themselves by sensible dressing and exercise. When 
suitably dressed for outdoor enjoyment, let them 
exercise in the open air, carefully at first, but in- 
creasing the amount of exercise as they can endure 
it. By taking this course many might regain health, 
and live to take their share in the world's work. — 
''Ministry of Healing/' pp. 287-294. 



A PRACTICAL TRAINING 

Useful manual lahor is a part of the gospel plan. 
The great Teacher, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, 
gave directions to Israel that every youth should be 
taught some line of useful employment. Therefore 
it was the custom of the Jews, the wealthy as well as 
the poorer classes, to teach their sons and daughters 
some useful trade, so that should adverse circum- 
stances arise, they would not be dependent upon 
others, but would be able to provide for their own 
necessities. They might be instructed in literary 
lines, but they must also be trained to some craft. 
This was deemed an indispensable part of their 
education. 

Now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should 
be instructed in the duties of practical life. Each 
should acquire a knowledge of some branch of manual 
labor by which, if need be, he may obtain a liveli- 
hood. This is essential, not only as a safeguard 
against the vicissitudes of life, but from its bearing 
upon physical, mental, and moral development. Even 
if it were certain that one would never need to resort 
to manual labor for support, still he should be taught 
to work. Without physical exercise no one can have 
a sound constitution and vigorous health; and the 
discipline of well-regulated labor is no less essential 
to the securing of a strong, active mind and a noble 
character. 

Students who have gained book knowledge without 
gaining a knowledge of practical work, cannot lay 

[307] 



308 Counsels to Teachers 

claim to a symmetricar education. The energies that 
should have been devoted to business of various lines, 
have been neglected. Education does not consist in 
using the brain alone. Physical employment is a 
part of the training essential for every youth. An 
important phase of education is lacking if the student 
is not taught how to engage in useful labor. 

The healthful exercise of the whole being will give 
an education that is broad and comprehensive. 
Every student should devote a portion of each day 
to active labor. Thus habits of industry will be 
formed and a spirit of self-reliance encouraged, while 
the youth will be shielded from many evil and de- 
grading practices that are so often the result of idle- 
ness. And this is all in keeping with the primary 
object of education; for in encouraging activity, 
diligence, and purity, we are coming into harmony 
with the Creator. 

The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise 
that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is 
some benefit in being in the fresh air, and also from 
the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount 
of energy be given to the performance of useful 
work, and the benefit will be greater. A feeling of 
satisfaction will be realized; for such exercise car- 
ries with it the sense of helpfulness, and the ap- 
proval of conscience for duty well done. 

Students should go forth from our schools with 
educated efficiency, so that when thrown upon their 
own resources, they will have knowledge which they 
can use, and which is needful to success in life. Dili- 
gent study is essential, so also is diligent hard work. 
Play is not essential. Devotion of the physical 



A Practical Training 309 

powers to amusement is not most favorable to a 
well-balanced mind. If the time employed in physi- 
cal exercise which step by step leads on to excess, 
were used in working in Christ's lines, the blessing 
of God would rest upon the worker. The discipline 
for practical life that is gained by physical labor 
combined with mental taxation, is sweetened by the 
reflection that it is qualifying mind and body better 
to perform the work that God designs men to do. 
The more perfectly the youth understand how to per- 
form the duties of practical life, the greater will be 
their enjoyment day by day in being of use to others. 
The mind educated to enjoy useful lal)or becomes en- 
larged; through training and discipline it is fitted 
for usefulness; for it lias acquired the knowledge 
essential to make its possessor a blessing to others. 

I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ 
where He devoted time to play and amusement. He 
was the great educator for the present and the future 
life; yet I have not been able to find one instance 
where He taught the disciples to engage in amuse- 
ment in order to gain physical exercise. The world's 
Redeemer gives to every man his work, and bids him, 
''Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13. In doing this, 
the heart warms to the enterprise. All the powers of 
the being are enlisted in the effort to obey. We have 
a high and holy calling. Teachers and students are 
to be stewards of the grace of Christ, and they are 
always to be in earnest. 

INDUSTRIAL WORK 

In establishing our schools out of the cities, we 
shall give the students an opportunity to train the 



l\M) Co)in<if'ls to Teachers 

muscles to work as well as the brain to think. Stu- 
dents should be taught how to plant, how to gather 
the harvest, how to build, how to become acceptable 
missionary workers in practical lines. By their 
knowledge of useful industries they will often be 
enabled to break dow^n prejudice; often they will 
be able to make themselves so useful that the truth 
will be recommended by the knowledge they possess. 

In our school in Australia we educated the youth 
along these lines, showing them that in order to have 
an education that is complete, they must divide their 
time between the gaining of book knowledge and the 
securing of a knowledge of practical w^ork. Part of 
each day was spent in manual labor. Thus the stu- 
dents learned how to clear the land, to cultivate the' 
soil, and to build houses; and these lines of work 
were largely carried on in time that would other- 
Avise have been spent in playing games and seeking 
for amusement. The Lord blessed the students w^ho 
devoted their hours to learning lessons of usefulness. 
To the managers and teachers of that school I was 
instructed to say: 

''Various industries should be carried on in our 
schools. The industrial instruction given should in- 
clude the keeping of accounts, carpentry, and all 
that is comprehended in farming. Preparation 
should be made for the teaching of blacksmithing, 
painting, shoemaking, and for cooking, baking, wash- 
ing, mending, typewriting, and printing. Every 
power at our command is to be brought into this 
training work, that students may go forth well 
equipped for the duties of practical life. 



A Prac/icdl Trdiiiinf/ 311 

''Students should be given a practical education 
in agriculture. This will l)e of inestimable value to 
many in their future work. The training to be ob- 
tained in felling trees and in tilling the soil, as well 
as in literary lines, is the education that our youth 
should seek to obtain. Agriculture will open re- 
sources for self-support. Other lines of work, 
adapted to different students, may also be carried 
on. But the cultivation of the land will bring a 
special blessing to the workers. We should so train 
the youth that they wdll love to engage in the culti- 
vation of the soil. 

"There should be opened to the youth means 
whereby many may, while attending school, learn 
the trade of carpentry. Under the guidance of ex- 
perienced workmen, carpenters who are apt to teach, 
patient, and kind, the youth should be taught how 
to build substantially and economically. Cottages 
and other ])uildings essential to the various lines of 
school work, are to be erected by the students them- 
selves. These buildings should not be crowded close 
together, or built near the school buildings proper. 
In the management of the school work, small com- 
panies should be formed, who should be taught to 
carry a full sense of their responsibility. All these 
things cannot be accomplished at once, but w'e can 
begin to work in faith." 

With a practical training, students will be pre- 
pared to fill useful positions in many places. If in 
the opening providence of God it becomes necessary 
to erect a meeting-house in some locality, the Lord is 
pleased if there are among His own people those to 



312 Counsels to Teachers 

whom He has given wisdom and skill to perform the 
necessary work. 

Let the students who are engaged in building do 
their tasks with thoroughness; and let them learn 
from these tasks, lessons that will help in their 
character-building. In order to have perfect char- 
acters, they must make their work as perfect as pos- 
sible. Into every line of labor let there be brought 
that stability which means true economy. If in our 
schools the land were more faithfully cultivated, the 
buildings more disinterestedly cared for by the stu- 
dents, the love of sports and amusements, Avhich cause 
so much perplexity in our school work, would pass 
away. 

For the lady students there are many employments 
which should be provided, that they may have a 
comprehensive and practical education. They should 
be taught dressmaking and gardening. Flowers 
should be cultivated and strawberries planted. Thus, 
while being educated in useful labor, they will have 
healthful outdoor exercise. 

Bookbinding and a variety of other trades should 
be taught, which will not only furnish physical ex- 
ercise, but will impart valuable knowledge. 

In all our schools there should be those who are 
fitted to teach cooking. Classes for instruction in 
this subject should be held. Those who are receiv- 
ing a training for service suffer a great loss when 
they do not gain a knowledge of how to prepare food 
so that it is both wholesome and palatable. 

The science of cooking is not a small matter. The 
skilful preparation of food is one of the most essen- 
tial arts. It should be regarded as among the most 



A Practical Training 3KJ 

valuable of all the arts, because it is so closely con- 
nected with the life. Both physical and mental 
strength depend to a great degree upon the food we 
eat ; therefore the one who prepares the food occupies 
an important and elevated position. 

Both young men and young women should be 
tauglit how to cook economically, and to dispense 
with everything in the line of flesh food. Let no 
encouragement be given to the preparation of dishes 
which are composed in any degree of flesh food; for 
this is pointing to the darkness and ignorance of 
Egypt, rather than to the purity of health reform. 

Women especially should learn how to cook. What 
part of the education of a girl is so important as 
this? WRatever may be her circumstances in life, 
here is knowledge tliat she may put to practical use. 
It is a branch of education which has a most direct 
influence upon health and happiness. There is prac- 
tical religion in a loaf of good bread. 

Culture on all points of practical life will make 
our youth useful after they shall leave the school to 
go to foreign countries. They will not then have to 
depend upon the people to whom they go, to cook 
and sew for them, or to build their habitations. And 
they will be much more influential if they show that 
they can educate the ignorant how to labor with the 
best methods and to produce the best results. A 
smaller fund will be required to sustain such mis- 
sionaries, because they have put to the very best 
use their physical powers in useful, practical labor 
combined with their studies. This will be appre- 
ciated where means are difficult to obtain. They will 
reveal that missionaries can become educators in 



;n4 (loun.^els to Teaclierfi 

teaching how to labor. And wherever they may go, 
all that they have gained in this line will give them 
standing-room. 

THE COMMON ARTS 

Skill in the common arts is a gift from God. He 
provides both the gift and the wisdom to use the gift 
aright. When He desired a work done on the tab- 
ernacle, He said, ' ' See, I have called by name Bezaleel 
the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah : 
and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wis- 
dom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and 
in all manner of workmanship." Ex. 31:2, 3. 
Through the prophet Isaiah the Lord said: "Give ye 
ear, and hear ^ly voice ; hearken, and hear My speech. 
Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open 
and break the clods of his ground? When he hath 
made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad 
the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the 
principal wheat and the appointed barley and the 
rye in their place? For his God doth instruct him 
to discretion, and doth teach him, 

"For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing 
instrument, neither is a cart-wheel turned about upon 
the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a 
staff, and the cummin with a rod. Bread corn is 
bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor 
break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it 
with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the 
Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and 
excellent in working." Isa. 28:23-29. 

God dispenses His gifts as it pleases Him. He 
bestows one gift upon one, and another gift upon 



'^^^ A rniclicdl Traiiiinf/ 315 

anotlier, but all for the guud of the whole body. It 
,-:V is in God's order that some shall be of service in one 
Viij' line of work, and others in other lines, — all working 
■ under the selfsame Spirit. The recognition of this 
plan will be a safeguard against emulation, pride, 
, ;ij.^ envy, or contempt of one another. It will strengthen 
'''■'' unit}'' and mutual love. 

A much larger number of young people need to 
have the advantages of our schools. They need the 
manual training course, which will teach them how 
to live an active, energetic life. Under wise, judi- 
cious, God-fearing directors, the students are to be 
taught different kinds of labor. Every branch of 
the work is to be conducted in the most thorough, 
systematic way that long experience and wisdom can 
enable us to plan and execute. 

Let the teachers wake up to the importance of this 
subject, and teach agriculture and the other indus- 
tries that it is essential for the students to under- 
stand. Let them seek in every department of labor 
to reach the very best results. Let the science of the 
word of God be brought into the work, that the stu- 
dents may understand correct principles, and may 
reach the highest possible standard. 

DOES IT PAY? 

In many minds the question will arise, Can in- 
dustrial work in our schools be made to pay? and 
if it cannot, should it be carried forward? 

It would be surprising if industries could be made 
to pay immediately on being started. Sometimes 
God permits losses to come to teach us lessons that 
will keep us from making mistakes that would in- 



816 Counsels to Teachers 

volve much larger losses. Let those who have had 
financial losses in their industrial work, search care- 
fully. to find out the cause, and endeavor to manage 
in such a way that in the future there will be no loss. 

Let us remember that we are all members of God's 
family; and let us remember, too, that Satan and all 
his host are seeking constantly to force us into making 
mistakes, that our confidence in ourselves and in others 
may be destroyed. But when perplexities arise, shall 
we sit down on the stool of ignorance, and do noth- 
ing ?— God forbid. 

There will l)e apparent drawbacks in the work, but 
this should not discourage us. The account books may 
sliow that the school has suffered some financial loss 
in carrying on industrial work; but if in these lines 
of work the students have learned lessons that will 
strengthen their character-building, the books of 
heaven will show a gain far exceeding the financial 
loss. How many souls this work has helped to save 
will never be known till the day of judgment. Satan 
finds mischief for idle hands to do ; but when students 
are kept busy in useful labor, the Lord has oppor- 
tunity to work for them. 

If, after carrying on manual training for one year, 
the managers of the school find that there has been 
a loss, let them seek to discover the reason for this, 
and guard against it in the future. But let not the 
spirit of censure prevail; for the Spirit of Christ is 
grieved when words of unkind criticism are spoken 
to those who have done their best. In the word of 
God there is encouragement as well as caution. God 
forbid that the hands of those who are trying to carry 
forward this line of work should be weakened. 



A Practical Training 317 

I urge that our schools be given encouragement in 
their efforts to develop plans for the training of the 
youth in agricultural and other lines of industrial 
work. When, in ordinary business, pioneer work is 
done, and preparation is made for future develop- 
ment, there is frequently a financial loss. But let us 
remember the blessing that physical exercise brings to 
the students. Many students have died while en- 
deavoring to acquire an education, because they con- 
fined themselves too closely to mental effort. 

We must not be narrow in our plans. In indus- 
trial training there are unseen advantages, whicli 
cannot be measured or estimated. Let no one be- 
gi'udge the effort necessary to carry forward suc- 
cessfully the plan that for years has been urged upon 
us as of jri'imary importance. 



-<sy 



Teachers will meet with trials. Discouragements 
wdll press upon them as they see their work un- 
appreciated. Satan will strive to afflict them with 
bodily infirmities, hoping to lead them to murmur 
against God, to close their eyes to His goodness. His 
mercy, His love, and the exceeding weight of glory 
that awaits the overcomer. At such times let teachers 
remember that God is leading them to more perfect 
confidence in Him. If in their perplexity they will 
look to Him in faith. He will bring them from tlie 
furnace of trial refined and purified as gold tried 
in the fire. 

Let the hard-pressed, sorely tried one say, ' ' Though 
He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." "Although 



^18 Counsels to Teachers 

the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be 
in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the 
fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off 
from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : 
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God 
of my salvation." Job 13:15; Hab. 3:17, 18. 



Let not teachers have favorites among their stu- 
dents, or give to the bright, quick students the most 
attention. Those who are apparently the most un- 
promising, most need the tact and kindly words that 
will bind their hearts to the heart of the teacher. 

First impressions are not to be trusted. Students 
who at first seem dull and slow, may in the end make 
greater progress than those who are naturally quicker. 
If they are thorough and systematic in their work, 
they will gain much that others will fail to gain. 
Those who form habits of patient, persevering in- 
dustry, will accomplish more than those of quick, 
vivacious, brilliant mind, who, though grasping the 
point quickly, lose it just as readily. The patient 
ones, though slower to learn, will stand ahead of 
those who learn so quickly that they do not need to 
study. 



Students should not be so pressed with studies as 
to neglect the culture of the manners; and above 
all, they should let nothing interfere with their sea- 
sons of prayer, which bring them in connection with 
Christ. In no case should they deprive themselves 
of religious privileges. 



SI Kill/ and Lahor 



319 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



The Dignity of Labor 



P. and P., pp. 50, 51, GO, GOO- 

602. 
D. of A., p. 74 

(Christ's example). 
Acts, pp. 346-358. 
Test. Vol. 4, p. 590. 
Test. Vol. 6, p. 192. 



Physical Labor for 

Students 



Test. Vol. 1, pp. 680-687 

(cooking). 
Test. Vol. 3, pp. 76-79. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 94-98, 114. 
Test. Vol. 5, p. 90. 



Health and Efficiency 



Ed., pp. 195-206. 
M. of H., pp. 295-335. 
Test. Vol. 3, pp. 485-492 
(diet). 



A Practical Training 



Ed., pp. 214-222. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 522, 523. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 176-192. 
Test. Vol. 7, p. 113 
(cooking) . 



RECR'EATION 



■Whatsoever ye do in word or 
deed, do all in the name of the 
Lord Jesus." 



AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD 

It is God's purpose to manifest through His people 
the principles of His kingdom. That in life and char- 
acter they may reveal these principles, He desires to 
separate them from the customs, habits, and practices 
of the world. He seeks to bring them nearer to Him- 
self, that He may make known to them His will. 
His purpose for His people to-day is the same that 
He had for Israel when He brought them forth from 
Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the 
justice, and the love of God revealed in His church, 
the world is to have a representation of His char- 
acter. And when the law of God is thus exemplified 
in the life, even the world will recognize the superi- 
ority of those who love and fear and serve God above 
every other people in the world. 

Seventh-day Adventists, above all people, should 
be patterns of piety, holy in heart and in conversa- 
tion. To them have been entrusted the most solemn 
truths ever committed to mortals. Every endowment 
of grace and power and efficiency has been liberally 
provided. They look for the near return of Christ 
in the clouds of heaven. For them to give to the 
world the impression that their faith is not a domi- 

[.S21] 
21 — Counsels 



322 Couu.^fls to Teach PVR 

iiatijig- powei- ill their lives, is greatly to disliouor 
God. 

Because of the increasing power of Satan's temp- 
tations, the times in which we live are full of peril 
for the children of God, and we need to learn con- 
stantly of the great Teacher, that we may take every 
step in surety and righteousness. Wonderful scenes 
are opening before us; and at this time a living 
testimony is to be borne in the lives of God's pro- 
fessed people, so that the world may see that in this 
age, when evil reigns on every side, there is yet a 
people who are laying aside their will and are seek- 
ing to do God's will, — a people in whose hearts and 
lives God's law is written. 

REPRESENTATIVES OF CHRIST 

God expects those who bear the name of Christ 
to represent Him. Their thoughts are to be pure, 
their words noble and uplifting. The religion of 
Christ is to be interwoven with all that they do and 
say. They are to be a sanctified, purified, holy people, 
communicating light to all with whom they come in 
contact. It is His purpose that b}^ exemplifying the 
truth in their lives, they shall be a praise in the 
earth. The grace of Christ is sufficient to bring this 
about. But let God's people remember that only as 
they believe and work out the principles of the gos- 
pel can they fulfil His purpose. Only as they yield 
their God-given capabilities to His service, will they 
enjoy the fulness and the power of the promise 
whereon the church has been called to stand. 

Before Christ went to His final conflict with the 
powers of darkness. He lifted up His eyes to heaven, 



As Lights in the World 323 

and prayed for His disciples. He said: "I pray not 
that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but 
that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil. They 
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 
Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is 
truth." John 17:15-17. 

The followers of Christ are to be separate from the 
world in principles and interests; but they are not 
to isolate themselves from the world. The Saviour 
mingled constantly with men, not to encourage them 
in anything that was not in accordance with God's 
will, but to uplift and ennoble them. ''I sanctify 
Myself," He declared, ''that they also might be sanc- 
tified." John 17:19. So the Christian is to abide 
among men, that the savor of divine love may be 
as salt to preserve the world from corruption. 

STRENGTH IN PRAYER 

Daily beset by temptation, constantly opposed by 
the leaders of the people, Christ knew that He must 
strengthen His humanity by prayer. In order to 
be a blessing to men. He must commune with God, 
pleading for energy, perseverance, and steadfastness. 
Thus He showed His disciples where His strength lay. 
Without this daily communion with God, no human 
being can gain power for service. Christ alone can 
direct the thoughts aright. He alone can give noble 
aspirations, and fashion the character after the di- 
. vine similitude. If we draw near to Him in earnest 
prayer. He will fill our hearts with high and holy 
purposes, and with deep longings for purity and 
righteousness. The dangers thickening around us 
demand from those who have an experience in the 



324 Counsels to Teachers 

things of God, a watchful supervision. Those who 
walk humbly before God, distrustful of their own 
wisdom, will realize their danger, and will know 
God's keeping care. 

The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our 
great need. The world is watching to see what fruit 
is borne by professed Christians. It has a right to 
look for self-denial and self-sacrifice from those who 
believe advanced truth. It is watching, ready to 
criticize Avith keenness and severity our words and 
acts. Every one who acts a part in the work of God 
is weighed in the scales of human discernment. Im- 
pressions favorable or unfavorable to Bible religion 
are constantly being made on the minds of all with 
whom we have to do. 

And God and the angels are watching. God desires 
His people to show by their lives the advantage of 
Christianity over worldliness; to show that they are 
working on a high, holy plane. He longs to see 
them showing that the truth they have received has 
made them children of the heavenly King. He longs 
to make them channels through which He can pour 
His boundless love and mercy. 

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the mani- 
festation of Himself in His church. When the char- 
acter of the Saviour shall be perfectly reproduced in 
His people, then He will come to claim His own. It 
is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look 
for, but to hasten, the coming of our Lord. Were 
all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, 
how quickly the whole world would be sown with 
the seed of the gospel! Quickly the last great har- 
vest would be ripened, and Christ would come. 



DANGEROUS AMUSEMENTS FOR THE 
YOUNG 

The desire for excitement and pleasing entertain- 
ment is a temptation and a snare to God's people, 
and especially to the young. Satan is constantly 
preparing inducements to attract minds from the 
solemn work of preparation for scenes just in the 
future. Through the agency of worldlings he keeps 
up a continual excitement to induce the unwary to 
join in worldly pleasures. There are shows, lectures, 
and an endless variety of entertainments that are 
calculated to lead to a love of the world; and through 
this union wdth the world faith is weakened. 

Satan is a persevering workman, an artful, deadly 
foe. Whenever an incautious word is spoken, whether 
in flattery or to cause the youth to look u])()u souh^ 
sin with less abhorrence, he takes advantage of it, 
and nourishes the evil seed, that it may take root and 
yield a bountiful harvest. He is in every sense of 
the word a deceiver, a skilful charmer. He has many 
finely woven nets, which appear innocent, but which 
are skilfully prepared to entangle the young and 
unwary. The natural mind leans toward pleasure 
and self-gratification. It is Satan's policy to fill the 
mind with a desire for worldly amusement, that 
there may be no time for the question, How is it 
with my soul? 

AN UNFORTUNATE AGE 

We are living in an unfortunate age for the young. 
The prevailing influence in society is in favor of al- 

[325] 



'^26 f'ounsds to Tfacher<i 

luwiiig the youtli to I'ollow the natural turn of llieir 
own minds. If their children are very wild, parents 
flatter themselves that when they are older and rea- 
son for themselves, they will leave off their wrong 
habits, and become useful men and women. What a 
mistake ! For years they permit an enemy to sow the 
garden of the heart, and suffer wrong principles to 
grow and strengthen, seeming not to discern the hid- 
den dangers and the fearful ending of the path that 
seems to them the way of happiness. In many cases 
all the labor afterward bestowed upon these youth 
will avail nothing. 

The standard of piety is low among professed 
Christians generally, and it is hard for the young 
to resist the worldly influences that are encouraged 
by many church-members. The majority of nominal 
Christians, while they profess to be living for Christ, 
are really living for the world. They do not discern 
the excellence of heavenly things, and therefore can- 
not truly love them. Many profess to be Christians 
because Christianity is considered honorable. They 
do not discern that genuine Christianity means cross- 
bearing, and their religion has little influence to re- 
strain them from taking part in worldly pleasures. 

Some can enter the ballroom, and unite in all the 
amusements which it affords. Others cannot go to 
such lengths as this, yet they can attend parties of 
pleasure, picnics, show^s, and otlier places of worldly 
amusement; and the most discerning eye would fail 
to detect any difference between their appearance and 
that of unbelievers. 



TlfK 'lICAlNlNcf OK CH 1 1 iDllKN 

111 llie prescut state of society it is no easy task 
for parents to restrain their children, and instruct 
them according to the Bible rule of right. Children 
often become impatient under restraint, and wish to 
have their own way and to go and coine as they 
please. Especially from the age of ten to eighteen 
they are inclined to feel that there can be no harm 
in going to worldly gatherings of young associates. 
But the experienced Christian parents can see dan- 
ger. They are acquainted with the peculiar tempera- 
ments of their children, and know the influence of 
these things upon their minds; and from a desire for 
their salvation, they should keep them back from 
these exciting amusements. 

When the children decide for themselves to leave 
the pleasures of the world and to become Christ's 
disciples, what a burden is lifted from the hearts of 
careful, faithful parents! Yet even then the labors 
of the parents must not cease. These youth have just 
commenced in earnest the warfare against sin, and 
against the evils of the natural heart, and they need 
in a special sense the counsel and watchcare of their 
parents. 

A TIME OF TRIM. BEFORE THE YOUNG 

Young Sabbath-keepers " who have yielded to the 
influence of the world, will have to be tested and 
proved. The perils of the last days are upon us, and 
a trial is before the young which many have not 
anticipated. They will be brought into distressing 
perplexity, and the genuineness of their faith will be 



328 Counsels to Teachers 

proved. They profess to be looking for the Son of 
man ; yet some of them have been a miserable example 
to unbelievers. They have not been willing to give 
up the world, but have united with the world in 
attending picnics and other gatherings for pleasure, 
flattering themselves that they were engaging in in- 
nocent amusement. Yet it is just such indulgences 
that separate them from God, and make them chil- 
dren of the world. 

Some are constantly leaning to the world. Their 
views and feelings harmonize much better with the 
spirit of the world than with that of Christ's self- 
denying followers. It is perfectly natural that they 
should prefer the company of those whose spirit will 
best agree with their own. And such have quite too 
much influence among God's people. They take part 
with them, and have a name among them; but they 
ai'c a text for unbelievers, and for tlie weak and un- 
consecrated ones in the church. In this refining time 
these professors will either be wholly converted and 
sanctified by obedience to the truth, or they will be 
left with the world, to receive their reward with the 
worldlings. 

God does not own the pleasure-seeker as His fol- 
lower. Those only who are self-denying, and who 
live lives of sobriety, humility, and holiness, are true 
followers of Jesus. And siich cannot enjoy the 
frivolous, empty conversation of the lover of the 
world. 

SEPARATION FROM THE W^ORLD 

The true followers of Christ will have sacrifices to 
make. They will shun places of worldly amusement 



Dangerous Aniusctncnts 329 

because tliey lind no Jesus there, — no influence which 
will make them heavenly minded, and increase their 
growth in grace. Obedience to the word of God will 
lead them to come out from all these things, and be 
separate. 

''By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7: 
20), the Saviour declared. All the true followers 
of Christ bear fruit to His glory. Their lives testify 
that a good work has been wrought in them by the 
Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their 
lives are elevated and pure. Right actions are the 
unmistakable fruit of true godliness, and those who 
bear no fruit of this kind reveal that they have no 
experience in the things of God. They are not in 
the Vine. Said Jesus, "Abide in Me, and I in you. 
As the branch cannot l)ear fruit of itself, except it 
abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide 
in Me. i. am tlie Vine, ye are the branches: he 
that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringetli 
forth much fruit : for without Me ye can do noth- 
ing." John 15:4, 5. 

Those who would be worshipers of the true God 
must sacrifice every idol. Jesus said to the lawyer, 
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and wdth all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 
This is the first and great commandment." Matt. 
22 : 37, 38. The first four precepts of the decalogue 
allow no separation of the affections from God. Nor 
must anything share our supreme delight in Him. 
We cannot advance in Christian experience until we 
put away everything that separates us from God. 

The great Head of the church, who has chosen His 
people out of the world, requires them to be separate 



'^'^0 CounRpJ^i to Tfnchersi 

i'roiii the world. He designs that the spirit of His 
commandments, by drawing His followers to Himself, 
shall separate them from worldly elements. To love 
God and keep His commandments is far away from 
loving the world's pleasures and its friendship. There 
is no concord between Christ and Belial. 

PROMISES TO THE YOUNG 

The youth who follow Christ have a warfare before 
them; they have a claily cross to bear in coming out 
of the world and imitating the life of Christ. But 
there are many precious promises on record for those 
who seek the Saviour early. Wisdom calls to the sons 
of men, "I love them that love Me; and those that 
seek Me early shall find Me." Prov. 8:17. 

"Wherefore gird up the loins of yoiiv mind, be 
sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be 
brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 
as obedient eliildren, not fashioning yourselves ac- 
cording to the former lusts in your ignorance: but 
as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy 
in all manner of conversation." 1 Peter 1:13-15. 
"For the grace of God that bi-ingeth salvation hath 
appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying un- 
godliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, 
righteously, and godly, in this present world; look- 
ing for that l)lessed hope, and the glorious appear- 
ing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 
who gave Himself for ns, that He might redeem us 
from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a pe- 
culiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2: 11-14. 



ESTABLISHING RIGHT PRINCIPLES IN 
THE YOUTH 

Education comprises more than a knowledge of 
books. Proper education includes not only mental 
discipline, but that training which will secure sound 
morals and correct deportment. . . . 

Hundreds of youth of various dispositions and of 
different education are associated in the school, and 
great care as well as much patience is required to 
balance in the right direction minds that have been 
warped by bad management. Some have never been 
disciplined, and others have been governed too much, 
and have felt, when away from the vigilant hands that 
held the reins of control, perhaps too tightly, that 
they were free to do as they pleased. They despise 
the very thought of restraint. These varying ele- 
ments brought together in our college, bring care, 
burdens, and weighty responsibility, not only upon 
teachers, but on the entire church. 

THE TEMPTATIONS OF YOUTH 

The students at our college are exposed to mani- 
fold temptations. They Avill be brought in contact 
with individuals of almost every stamp of mind and 
morals. Those who have any religious experience are 
censurable if they do not place themselves in a posi- 
tion to resist every evil influence. But many choose 
to follow inclination. They do not consider that they 
must make or mar their own happiness. It is in 
their own power so to improve their time and oppor- 

[331] 



332 Counsels to Teachers 

tunities as to develop a character that will make them 
happy and useful. ... 

THE DUTIES OF PARENTS 

The dangers of the young are greatly increased as 
they are thrown into the society of a large number 
of their own age, of varied character and habits of 
life. Under these circumstances, many parents are 
inclined to relax rather than redouble their own 
efforts to guard and control their children. Thus 
they cast a tremendous burden upon those who feel 
the responsibility. When these parents see that their 
children are becoming demoralized, they are in- 
clined to find fault with those who have charge of 
the work, when tlie evils have 1)een caused by tlie 
course of the parents themselves. 

Instead of uniting with those who bear the bur- 
dens, to lift up the standard of morals, and working 
with heart and soul in the fear of God to correct the 
wrongs in their children, many parents soothe their 
own consciences by saying, "My children are no 
worse than others." They seek to conceal the glar- 
ing wrongs which God hates, lest their children shall 
become offended, and take some desperate course. If 
the spirit of rebellion is in their hearts, far better 
subdue it now than permit it to increase and 
strengthen by indulgence. If parents would do their 
duty, we should see a different state of things. Many 
of these parents have backslidden from God. They 
do not have wisdom from Him to perceive the de- 
vices of Satan and to resist his snares. . . . 

Every son and daughter should be called to ac- 
count if absent from home at night. Parents should 



Establishing Riyhl J'rlnciples 333 

know what company their children are in, and at 
whose house they spend their evenings. Some chil- 
dren deceive their parents with falsehoods to avoid 
exposure of their wrong course. There are those 
who seek the society of corrupt companions, and se- 
cretly visit saloons and other forbidden places of 
resort in the city. There are students who visit the 
billiard-rooms, and who engage in card-playing, flat- 
tering themselves that there is no danger. Since 
their object is merely amusement, they feel perfectly 
safe. It is not the lower grade alone who do this. 
Some -vvho have been carefully reared, and educated 
to look upon such things with abhorrence, are ven- 
turing upon the forbidden ground. 

The young should 1)e controlled by firm principle, 
that they may rightly improve tlie powers wliich God 
lias given them. But youth follow impulse so much 
and so blindly, without reference to principle, that 
they are constantly in danger. Since they cannot 
always have the guidance and protection of par- 
ents and guardians, they need to be trained to self- 
reliance and self-control. They must be taught to 
think and act from conscientious principle. 

RELAXATION AND AMUSEMENT 

Those who are engaged in study should have re- 
laxation. The mind must not be constantly confined 
to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery 
becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must 
have exercise. But there is great need of temperance 
in amusements, as in every other pursuit. And the 
character of these amusements should be carefully 
and thoroughly considered. Every youth should ask 



334 Counsels to Teachers 

himself, What influence vvjll these amusements have 
on physical, mental, and moral health? Will my 
mind become so infatuated as to forget God? shall 
I cease to have Plis glory before me? 

Card-playing should be prohibited. The associa- 
tions and tendencies are dangerous. . . . There is 
nothing in such amusements beneficial to soul or 
body. There is nothing to strengthen the intellect, 
nothing to store it with valuable ideas for future 
use. The conversation is often upon trivial and de- 
grading subjects. . . . 

Expertness in handling cards often leads to a 
desire to put this knowledge and tact to some use 
for personal benefit. A small sum is staked, and 
then a larger, until a thirst for gaming is acquired, 
which leads to certain ruin. How many has this per- 
nicious amusement led to every sinful practice, to 
poverty, to prison, to murder, and to the gallows! 
And yet many parents do not see the terrible gulf 
of ruin that is yawning for our youth. 

Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is 
the theater. Instead of being a school for morality 
and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hot- 
bed of immorality. Vicious habits arid sinful pro- 
pensities are strengthened and confirmed by these 
entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expres- 
sions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and de- 
base the morals. Every youth who habitually attends 
such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There 
is no influence in our land more powerful to poison 
the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and 
to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and 
sober realities of life, than theatrical amusements. 



Estdlilisliing Kuilil I'rlnctplt >i li.'l*) 

'^i'lir love Uw tln^se scenes iucreases with every 
indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink 
strengthens witli its use. The only safe course is 
to shun the theater, the circus, and every other ques- 
tionable place of amusement. 

There are modes of recreation which are highly 
beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened, 
discriminating mind wall find a})undant means for 
entertainment and diversion, from sources not only 
innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open 
air, the contemplation of the works of God in na- 
ture, will be of the highest benefit. — ''Testimonies 
for the Church/' Vol. IV, pp. 648-653. 



-(£>■ 



Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old 
age, the child as sober as the sire. While sinful 
amusements are condemned, as they should be, let 
parents, teachers, and guardians of youth provide in 
their stead innocent pleasures, which will not taint 
or corrupt the morals. Do not bind down the young 
to rigid rules and restraints that will lead them to 
feel themselves oppressed, and to ])reak over and 
rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a 
firm, kind, considerate hand, hold the lines of gov- 
ernment, guiding and controlling their minds and 
purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so lovingly, that 
they will still know that you have their best good 
in view. 



CHEISTIAN RECREATION 

While we are seeking to refresh our spirits and 
invigorate our bodies, we are required of God to use 
all our powers at all times to the best purpose. We 
can, and should, conduct our recreations in such a 
manner that we shall be better fitted for the more 
successful discharge of the duties devolving upon us, 
and our influence will be more beneficial upon those 
with whom we associate. We can return from sucli 
occasions to our homes improved in mind and re- 
freshed in body, and prepared to engage in the work 
anew with better hope and better courage. 

We are of that class who believe that it is our 
privilege every day of our lives to glorify God upon 
the eartli ; that we are not to live in this world merely 
for our own amusement, merely to please ourselves. 
We are here to benefit humanity and to be a bless- 
ing to society; and if we let our minds run in that 
low channel that many who are seeking only vanity 
and folly permit their minds to run in, how can we 
be a benefit to our race and generation? how can we 
be a blessing to society around us? We cannot in- 
nocently indulge in any amusement which will unfit 
us for the more faithful discharge of ordinary duties. 

Between the associations of the followers of Christ 
for Christian recreation, and worldly gatherings for 
pleasure and amusement, will exist a marked con- 
trast. Instead of prayer and the mentioning of 
Christ and sacred things, will be heard from the 
lips of worldlings the silly laugh and the trifling 
[336] 



Chrhiiaii 1\frrrafion 3 3 7 

conversation. The idea is to have a general high 
time. Their amusements eommence in folly and end 
in vanity. Our gatherings should be so conducted, 
and we sliould so conduct ourselves, that when 
we return to our homes we can have a conscience 
void of offense toward God and man; a conscious- 
ness tliat we have not wounded or injured in any 
manner those " wdth whom we have been associated, 
or had an injurious influence over them. 

The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self- 
gratification. It is Satan's policy to manufacture an 
abundance of this. He seeks to fill the minds of 
men with a desire for worldly amusement, that they 
may have no time to ask themselves the question, 
How is it with my soul? The love of pleasure is 
infectious. Given up to this, the mind hurries from 
one point to another, ever seeking for some amuse- 
ment. Obedience to the law of God counteracts this 
inclination, and builds barriers against ungodliness. 



-®- 



Young men should remember that they are ac- 
countable for all the privileges they have enjoyed, 
for the improvement of their time, and for the right 
use of their abilities. They may inquire. Shall we 
have no amusement or recreation ? Shall we work, 
work, work, Avithout variation? 

An}" amusement in which you can engage asking 
the blessing of God upon it in faith, will not be dan- 
gerous. But any amusement which disqualifies you 
for secret prayer, for devotion at the altar of prayer, 
or for taking part in the prayer-meeting, is not safe, 
but dangerous. 

22 — Counsels 



WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS 

If there is anything in our Avorld that should in- 
spire enthusiasm, it is the cross of Calvary. "Be- 
hold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed 
upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: 
therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew^ 
Him not." 1 John 3:1. "For God so loved the 
world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that 
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but 
have everlasting life." John 3:16. Christ is to 
be accepted, believed on, and exalted. This is to 
be the theme of conversation, — the preciousness of 
Christ. . . . 

PARTIES OF PLEASURE 

While there has been so much fear of excitement 
and enthusiasm in the service of God, there has been 
manifest an enthusiasm in another line which to many 
seems wholly congenial. I refer to the parties of 
pleasure that have been held among our people. 
These occasions have taken much of the time and at- 
tention of people who profess to be servants of Christ ; 
but have these assemblies tended to the glory of His 
name? Was Jesus invited to preside over them? 

Gatherings for social intercourse may be made in 
the highest degree profitable and instructive when 
those who meet together have the love of God glow- 
ing in their hearts, when they meet to exchange 
thoughts in regard to the word of God, or to con- 
sider methods for advancing His work and doing 
[338] 



Worldly Aynuse^nents 339 

good to their felJow-iucn. Wheu • nothing is said or 
done to grieve the lioly Spirit of God, hut it is 
regarded as a welcome guest, then God is honored, 
and those who meet together will be refreshed and 
strengthened. 

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one 
to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, 
and a book of remembrance was written before Him 
for them that feared the Lord, and that thought 
upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the 
Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jew- 
els." Mai. 3:16, 17. 

But there has been a class of social gatherings 

in of an entirely different character, parties 

of pleasure that have been a disgrace to our insti- 
tutions and to the church. They encourage pride 
of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification, 
hilarity, and trifling. Satan is entertained as an 
honored guest, and he takes possession of those who 
patronize these gatherings. 

A view of one such company was presented to 
me, where were assembled those who profess to be- 
lieve the truth. One was seated at the instrument 
of music, and such songs were poured forth as made 
the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there 
was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthu- 
siasm, and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was 
such as Satan only is able to create. This is an en- 
thusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God 
will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for 
unholy thought and action. I have reason to think 
that some who were engaged in that scene, heartily 
repented of the shameful performance. 



340 Coun:>cls to Teachers 

Many such gatlierings have been presented to me. 
I have seen the gaiety, the display in dress, the per- 
sonal adornment. All want to be thought brilliant, 
and give themselves up to hilarity, foolish jesting, 
cheap, coarse flattery, and uproarious laughter. The 
eyes sparkle, the cheek is flushed, conscience sleeps. 
With eating and drinking and merrymaking, they 
do their best to forget God. The scene of pleasure is 
their paradise. And Heaven is looking on, seeing 
and hearing all. . . . 

The tenor of the conversation reveals the treasure 
of the heart. The cheap, common talk, the words of 
flattery, the foolish witticism, spoken to create a 
laugh, are the merchandise of Satan, and all who in- 
dulge in this talk are trading in his goods. Impres- 
sions are made upon those who liear these things, 
similar to that made upon Herod when the daughter 
of Herodias danced before him. All these transac- 
tions are recorded in the books of heaven; and at the 
last great day they will appear in their true light 
before the guilty ones. Then all will discern in them 
the alluring, deceptive workings of the devil, to lead 
them into the broad road and the wide gate that 
opens to their ruin. 

Satan has been multiplying his snares in ; 

and professed Christians who are superficial in char- 
acter and religious experience are used by the tempter 
as his decoys. This class are always ready for the 
gatherings for pleasure or sport, and their influence 
attracts others. Young men and women who have 
tried to be Bible Christians are persuaded to join 
the party, and the}^ are drawn into the ring. They 
do not prayerfully consult the divine standard, to 



learn what C'luist has said in regard to the fruit to 
be borne on the Christian tree. They do not discern 
that these entertainments are really Satan's banquet, 
j)repared to keep souls from aeeeptino; the call to tlie 
marriage supjKM" of the Lamb, and preventing them 
from receiving the wliite robe of character, wliich is 
the righteousness of Christ, They become confused 
as to what it is right for them as Christians to do. 
They do not want to be thought singular, and natu- 
rall}^ incline to follow tlie example of others. Tluis 
they come under the influence of those who have never 
liad the divine touch on heart or mind. . . . 

RIGHT ATTITUDE OF THE CHRISTIAN 

The eternal God has drawn the line of distinction 
between the saints and the sinners, the converted and 
the unconverted. The two classes do not blend into 
each other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rain- 
bow. They are as distinct as midday and midnight. 

Those who are seeking the righteousness of Christ 
will be dwelling upon the themes of the great salva- 
tion. The Bible is the storehouse that supplies their 
souls with nourishing food. They meditate upon the 
incarnation of Christ, they contemplate the great sac- 
rifice made to save them from perdition, to bring in 
pardon, peace, and everlasting righteousness. The 
soul is aglow with these grand and elevating themes. 
Holiness and truth, grace and righteousness, occupy 
the thoughts. Self dies, and Christ lives in His 
servants. In contemplation of the Word, their hearts 
burn within them, as did the hearts of the two dis- 
ciples while they went to Emmaus, and Christ walked 



342 Counseh to Teachers 

with tliem by the way, and opened to tliem the scrip- 
tures concerning Himself. 

How few realize that Jesus, unseen, is walking by 
their side! How ashamed many would be to hear 
His voice speaking to them, and to know that He 
heard all their foolish, common talk! And how many 
hearts would burn with holy joy if they only knew 
that the Saviour was by their side, that the holy at- 
mosphere of His presence was surrounding them, and 
they were feeding on the bread of life! How pleased 
the Saviour would be to hear His followers talking 
of His ])recious lessons of instruction, and to know 
that they had a relish for holy things ! 

When the truth abides in the heart, there is no 
place for criticism of God's servants, or for picking 
flaws with the message He sends. That which is in 
the heart will flow from the lips. It cannot be re- 
pressed. The things that God has prepared for those 
that love Him will be the theme of conversation. 
The love of Christ is in the soul as a well of water, 
springing up into everlasting life, sending forth liv- 
ing streams, that bring life and gladness wherever 
they flow. — '^Special Testimony to the Battle Creek 
Church/' Nov. 18, 1896. 

® 



Christians have many sources of happiness at their 
command, and they may tell with unerring accuracy 
what pleasures are lawful and right. They may en- 
joy such recreations as will not dissipate the mind 
or debase the soul, such as will not disappoint, and 
leave a sad after-influence to destroy self-respect or 
bar the way to usefulness. 



HOLIDAYS UNTO GOD 

Would it not be well for us to ol)serve holidays 
unto God, when we could revive in our minds the 
memory of His dealing with us? "Would it not be 
well to consider His past blessings, to remember the 
impressive warnings that have come home to our 
souls, so that we shall not forget God? 

The world has many holidays, and men become 
engrossed with games, with horse-races, with gam- 
bling, smoking, and drunkenness. They show plainly 
under what banner they are standing. They make 
it evident that they do not stand under the banner 
of the Prince of life, but that the prince of darkness 
rules and controls them. 

Shall not the people of God more frequently have 
holy convocations in which to thank God for His 
rich blessings? Shall we not find time in which to 
praise Christ for His rest, peace, and joy, and make 
manifest by daily thanksgiving that we appreciate 
the great sacrifice made in our behalf, that we may 
be partakers of the divine nature? Shall w^e not 
speak of the prospective rest in the paradise of God, 
and tell of the honor and glory in store for the 
servants of Jehovah? "My people shall dwell in a 
peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in 
quiet resting-places." Isa. 32:18. We are home- 
ward bound, seeking a better country, even a 
heavenly. 

The world is full of excitement. Men act as 
though they had gone mad over low, cheap, unsat- 

[343] 



344 Counsels to Teachers 

isfying things. How excited have I seen them over 
the result of a cricket match ! I have seen the 
streets in Sydney densely crowded for blocks, and 
on inquiring what was the occasion of the excite- 
incnt, was told that some expert player of criclcet 
had won the game. I felt disgusted. 

Why are not the chosen of God more enthusiastic? 
They are striving for an immortal crown, striving 
for a home where there will be no need of the light 
of the sun or moon, or of lighted candle; for the 
Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign 
forever and ever. They will have a life that measures 
with the life of God ; ])ut the candle of the wicked 
sliall be put out in ignominious darkness, and then 
shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the king- 
dom of their Father. . . . 

I do not recommend pleasure parties where young 
people assemble together for mere amusement, to 
engage in cheap, nonsensical talk, and where loud, 
boisterous laughter is to be heard. I do not recom- 
mend the kind of gathering where there is a letting 
down of dignity, and the scene is one of weakness 
and folly. 

Many times young men for whom heavenly intelli- 
gences have been waiting in order to number them 
as missionaries for God, are drawn into the gather-^ 
ings for amusement, and are carried away with 
Satan's fascinations. Instead of being afraid to 
continue their association with girls whose depth of 
mind is easily measured, whose character is of a 
cheap order, they become enamored of them, and 
enter into an engagement. Satan knows that if these 
young men enter into an engagement with cheap- 



TJ()li<ln\i:i 11)1 fo Cod 34/) 

minded, pleasiire-lovino", worldlj'-minded, irreligious 
young women, they will l)ind themselves to stiim- 
hling-hloeks. Their usefulness will be largely crip- 
pled, if not utterly destroyed. Even if the J^'oung 
men tliemselves succeed in making an unreserved 
suiTcnder to God, yet they will find that they are 
greatly crippled by being bound to an untrained, 
undisciplined, unchristlike wife who is dead to God, 
dead to piety, and dead to true holiness. Their lives 
will prove unsatisfying and unhappy. 

Gatherings for amusement confuse faith, and make 
the motive mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts 
no divided heart. He wants the whole man. He 
made all there is of man. He offered a complete 
sacrifice to redeem the body and soul of man. That 
which He requires of those whom He has created 
and redeemed, is summed up in these words, "Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God Avith all thy heart, and 
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . 
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Matt. 
22 : 37-39. God will accept nothing less than this. 
— ^'Special Testimonies on Education/' pp. 80-83. 



-®- 



"Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest 
he fall. ' ' 1 Cor. 10 : 12. There can be no presump- 
tion more fatal than that which leads men to venture 
upon a course of self-pleasing. In view of this solemn 
warning from God, should not fathers and mothers 
take heed? Should they not faithfully point out to 
the youth the dangers that are constantly arising 
to lead them away from God? 



HOW TO SPEND HOLIDAYS 

Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in 
physical labor, and is still more essential for those 
whose labor is principally mental. It is not essen- 
tial to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to 
keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, 
even upon religious themes. There are amusements, 
such as dancing, card-playing, chess, checkers, etc., 
which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns 
them. These amusements open the door for great 
evil. They are not beneficial in their tendency, but 
have an exciting influence, producing in some minds 
a passion for those plays which lead to gambling 
and dissipation. All such plays should be con- 
demned by Christians, and something perfectly harm- 
less should be substituted in their place. 

I saw that our holidays should not be spent in 
patterning after the world, yet the}^ should not be 
passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfac- 
tion to our children. On these days when there is 
danger that our children will be exposed to evil 
influences, and become corrupted by the pleasures 
and excitement of the world, let the parents study to 
get up something to take the place of these danger- 
ous amusements. Give your children to understand 
that you have their good and happiness in view. 

Let several families living in a city or village 

unite and leave the occupations which have taxed 

them physically and mentally, and take an excursion 

into the country, to the side of a fine lake or to a 

[346] 



TIow to Spend Holidays 347 

nice grove, where the scenery of nature is l)eautifiil. 
They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic 
food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread 
their table under the shade of some tree, or under 
the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and 
the scenery v^ill quicken the appetite, and they can 
enjoy a repast which kings might envy. 

On such occasions parents and children should feel 
free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should 
become children with their children, making every- 
thing as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole 
day be given to recreation. 

Exercise in the open air for those whose employ- 
ment has been within doors and sedentary, will be 
beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a 
duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, 
but much gained. They can return to their occupa- 
tions with new life and new courage to engage in 
their labor wdth zeal, and they are better prepared 
to resist disease. — ''Testimonies for the Church," 
Vol. I, pp. 514, 515. 

® 

Many allow the youth to attend parties of pleasure, 
thinking that amusement is essential for health and 
happiness; but what dangers are in this path! The 
more the desire for pleasure is gratified, the more it 
is cultivated and the stronger it becomes. The life 
experience is largely made up of self-gratification in 
amusement. God bids us beware. "Let him that 
thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 



THE DANGER IN AMUSEMENTS 

Recent experiences in om- colleges and snnitnriuiiis 
lead me to present again insti'uction that the liOi'd 
gave me for the teachers and students in our school 
at Cooranbong, Australia. 

In April, 1900, a holiday was appointed at tlie 
Avondale school for Chi-istiaii workers. The pro- 
gram for the day provided tor a meeting in the chapel 
in the morning, at wliicli 1 and others addressed the 
students, calling their attention to what God had 
wrought iu the building up of this school, and to 
their privilege and opj^ortunities as students. 

After the meeting, the reuuiinder of the day was 
s|)ent by the students in various games and sports, 
some of which were frivolous, rude, and grotesque. 

During the following night T seemed to ])e wit- 
nessing tlu^ pei'formances of tiie afternoon. The 
scene was clearly laid out before me, and I was 
given a message for the manager and teachers of 
the school. 

I was shown that in the aiuuscnicnts carried on at 
the school that afternoon, the enemy gained a victory, 
and teachers were weighed in the balances and found 
wanting. 1 was greatly distressed and burdened to 
think that those standing in responsible positions 
should open the door and, as it were, invite the 
enemy in ; for this they did in permitting the exhibi- 
tions that took place. As teachei's, they should have 
stood firm against giving place to the enemy in any 
such line. Ry what they permitted, they marred their 
|;'.^s| 



TJir Dnngrr in A))iu.'^r)))n}f.'i .'UD 

record, and grieved i\w Spirit of God. The students 
were encouraged in a course the effects of which were 
not easily effaccci. TIkm-c is no end to the patli of 
vain anuiseiiients, and every step taken in it is a 
step in a path wliich Clirist has not travehnl. 

'IMiis inti'ochiction ol' wroni? ])lans was tlic very 
tliinir that shouhl have hecn jeak)usly guarch'd 
aj?ainst. The Avonchile school was esta1)lished, not 
to itc like the scliools of the woi'hl, l)ut, as God I'C- 
veaUnl, to l)e a pattern school. And since it was to 
he a pattern school, those in charge of it should have 
perfected everythini>- after God's plan, discardiui*' all 
that was not in harmony with ITis will. TTad their 
eyes heen anointed with the heavenly eye-salve, they 
would have realized that th(\v could not ix'nuit tlu^ 
exhihition that took place that artcrnoon, Avithout 
dishonoring God. 

On Wednesday morning, when 1 spoke to the stu- 
dents and to the others who had assemhled, the Avords 
that the Lord gave me to speak, I did not know any- 
thing of what was to take place afterward ; for no 
intimation of it had come to me. How could those 
at the h(^ad of the school harmonize with the words 
spoken, the proceedings that followed, which were 
of a character to make of no effect the instruction 
that had just come to them from God? If their ])er- 
ceptions had not heen greatly heclouded, they would 
have understood this instruction as i-ehuking all such 
proceedings. 

I felt deeply the iiiipoi'tance of the words that the 
Lord gave me at this time for teachers and students. 
This instruction presented hefore the students duties 
of the highest order; and to efface hy the amusements 



350 Counsels to Teachers 

afterward entered into, the good impressions made, 
was virtually saying, "We want not Thy way, 
God; we want our own way; we want to follow our 
own wisdom." 

In the night season I was a witness to the per- 
formance that was carried on on the school grounds. 
The students who engaged in the grotesque mimicry 
that was seen, acted out the mind of the enemy, some 
in a very unbecoming manner. A view of things was 
presented before me in which the students were play- 
ing games of tennis and cricket. Then I was given 
instruction regarding the character of these amuse- 
ments. They were presented to me as a species of 
idolatry, like the idols of the nations. 

There were more than visible spectators on the 
ground. Satan and his angels were there, making 
impressions on human minds. Angels of God, who 
minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, were 
also present, not to approve, but to disapprove. They 
were ashamed that such an exhibition should be given 
by the professed children of God. The forces of the 
enemy gained a decided victory, and God was dis- 
honored. He who gave His life to refine, ennoble, 
and sanctify human beings, was grieved at the per- 
formance. 

Hearing a voice, I turned to see who spoke to me. 
Then with dignity and solemnity One said, "Is this 
the celebration for the anniversary of the opening 
of the 'school? Is this the gratitude-offering you 
present to God for the blessings He has given you? 
The world could render as acceptable an offering on 
this memorial occasion. The teachers are making 
the same mistake that has been made over and over 



TJif Daiiffrr i)i ANiu^ieniciifs 351 

« 

jii^aiu. 'riu^y should Icai'ii wisdom i'roni the experi- 
ences ol' the past. 'VUo cnreh'ss, godless world can 
offer an ahundanee ol* siieh offei'ings as tliese, in a 
much more acceptable manner." 

Turning to the teachers, He said, "You have made 
a mistake the effects of Avhich it will be hard to 
efface. The Lord God of Israel is not glorified in 
the school. If at this time the Lord should permit 
your life to end, many would be lost, eternally sepa- 
rated from God and the righteous." 

THE CONSEQUENCE OF ONE DEPARTURE FROM RIGHT 

These things are a repetition of the course of 
Aaron, when at the foot of Sinai he allowed the first 
beginning of wrong by permitting a spirit of revel- 
ing and commonness to come into the camp of Israel. 
]\Ioses was in the mount with God, and Aaron had 
been left in charge. He showed his weakness by not 
standing firmly against the propositions of the people. 
He could have exercised his authority to hold the 
congregation back from wrong-doing, but just as in 
his home he failed with his children, so he showed 
the same defective administration in his management 
of Israel. His weakness as a general was seen in his 
desire to please the people, even at the sacrifice of 
principle. He lost his power of command at the very 
first permission that he gave which allowed them to 
go contrary to God's commands in the least particu- 
lar. And as a result, the spirit of idolatry came in, 
and the current set in motion could not be stayed 
until stern and decisive measures had been taken. 

It took time and a vast amount of labor and sorrow 
to wipe out the influence of the proceedings at the 



352 Coil 11.9 f 1.9 to Teachers 

Avondale school on that Wednesday afternoon. But 
tlie experience was a lesson that helped those in 
charge of the school to realize the tendency of such 
amnseiiients. 

What an exhil)ition was this to be reported by the 
students to their distant friends and acquaintances! 
It was a witness that showed, not what God had 
accomplished in the school, but what Satan had ac- 
complished. Serious is the consequence of even one 
such departure from the instruction that God has 
given concerning our schools. Once the barriers are 
broken down, the advance of the enemy will be 
marked, unless tlie Lord shall humble hearts and 
convert minds. 

The effort to regain that which was lost by the 
proceedings of that afternoon cost the teachers much 
lal)or. They were severely tried. With the students 
tliere was seen a desire for further pleasure, and less 
regard for the instruction of God's word. The Lord 
of heaven was thus dishonored, and the indulgence 
of the desires of the human heart in sin and love of 
pleasure, was the education received. 

Let those who are educating the youth govern 
themselves according to the high and holy principles 
that Christ has given in His word. Let them remem- 
l)er that, as far as possible, they are to recover the 
ground that has been lost, that they may bring into 
our schools the spirituality that was seen in the 
schools of the prophets. 

THE BIBLE AS OUR COUNSELOR 

Teachers need an intimate acquaintance with the 
word of God. The Bible, and the Bible alone, should 



The D(ni</<i- in Aiinis( im nis 8515 

be their eouiisolor. The word of God is as the leaves 
of the tree of life. Here is met every want of those 
who h)ve its teaehings and bring them into the prac- 
tieal life. .Many of the students who eome to our 
schools are unconverted, though they may have been 
baptized. They do not know Avhat it means to be 
sanctified through a belief of the truth. They should 
be taught to search and understand the Bible, to 
receive its truths into the heart and carry them out 
in the dailj^ life. .Thus they will become strong in 
the Lord; for spiritual sinew and muscle are nour- 
ished by the bread of life. 

The Lord desires His stewards to discharge their 
duties faithfully, in His name and in His strength. 
By believing His w-ord and acting upon its teach- 
ings, they may go on conquering and to conquer. But 
when men depart from the principles of righteous- 
ness, they conceive a high opinion of their own 
goodness and abilities, and unconsciously they exalt 
themselves. The Lord allows such ones to walk alone, 
to follow their own way. Thus He gives them oppor- 
tunity to see themselves as they are, and to manifest 
to others their weakness. He is seeking to teach 
them that the Lord's way is always to be closely fol- 
lowed, that His word is to be taken as it reads, and 
that men are not to devise and plan according to their 
own judgment, irrespective of His counsel. 

Our schools are to be as the schools of the prophets. 
In them the truths of the Bible are to be earnestly 
studied. If rightly brought before the mind and 
thoughtfully dw^elt upon, these truths wdll give the 
students a desire for that which is infinitely higher 
than w^orldly amusement. As they draw near to God, 

23 — Counsels 



354 Counsels to Teachers 

becoming partakers oi' the divine nature, earth-born 
amusements will sink into nothingness. The minds 
of the students will take a higher turn, and behold- 
ing the character of Jesus, they will strive to be 
like Him. 

USEFUL EMPLOYMENT VERSUS SELFISH PLEASURE 

In the place of providing diversions that merely 
amuse, arrangements should be made for exercises 
that will be productive of good. Students are sent 
to our schools to receive an education that will enable 
them to go forth as workers in God's cause. Satan 
would lead them to believe that amusements are nec- 
essary to physical health; but the Lord has declared 
that the better way is for them to get physical ex- 
ercise through manual training, and by letting use- 
ful employment take the place of selfish pleasure. 
The desire for amusement, if indulged, soon develops 
a dislike for useful, healthful exercise of body and 
mind, such as will make students efficient in help- 
ing themselves and others. 

God bestows talents upon men, not that these tal- 
ents may lie unused or be employed in self -gratifica- 
tion, but that they may be used to bless others. God 
grants men the gift of time for the purpose of pro- 
moting His glory. When this time is used in selfish 
pleasure, the hours thus spent are lost for all eternity. 

® — — 



Our young people need to be surrounded with 
wholesome, uplifting influences. They are to be kept 
in the love of the truth. The standard set before 
them should be high. 



Hecreaiion 



355 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



As Lights in the World 



Test. Vol. 7, p. 204. 



Dangerous Amusements 
FOR the Young 



Test. Vol. 1, pp. 269, 288, 289, 
496-515, 551, 554, 555. 

Test. Vol. 2, pp. 142-145, 235- 
237 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 435, 436, 624, 
625. 



Christian Eecreation 



Test. Vol. 2, pp. 585-594. 
Test. Vol. 4, p. 581. 
Test. Vol. 5, p. 218. 



Worldly Amusements 
Danger in Amusements 



Test. Vol. 9, p. 90. 

Ed., pp. 207-213, 269 

(young people 's societies) . 



THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR 
SCHOOLS 



Thou gavest also Thy good 
Spirit to instruct them." 



TITE TEACITEE'S NEED OF THE HOLY 
SPIRIT'S AID 

The Holy Spirit has ])een given us as an aid in 
the study of the Bible. Jesus promised, "The Com- 
forter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fatlier 
will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, 
and ])ring all things to your remembrance, what- 
soever I have* said unto you." John 14:26. Wlion 
the Bi])le is inade the study book, with earnest sup- 
plication for the Spirit's guidance, and with a full 
surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the 
truth, all that Christ has promised will be accom- 
plished. The result of such Bible study will be well- 
balanced minds. The understanding will be ciuick- 
ened, the sensibilities aroused. The conscience will 
becom.e sensitive ; the sympathies and sentiments will 
be purified ; a better moral atmosphere will be cre- 
ated; and new power to resist temptation will be 
imparted. Teachers and students will become active 
and earnest in the work of God. 

There is a disposition on the part of many teach- 
ers not to be thorough in giving religious instruc- 
tion. They are satisfied with a half-hearted service 
themselves, serving the Lord only to escape the pun- 

[357] 



358 Counsels to Teachers 

ishment of sin. Their half-heartedness affects their 
teaching. The experience that they do not desire 
for themselves they are not anxious to see their pupils 
gain. That which has been given them in blessing 
has been cast aside as a dangerous element. The 
offered visits of the Holy Spirit are met with the 
words of Felix to Paul, ' ' Go thy way for this time : 
when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee." 
Acts 2J: : 25. Other blessings they desire ; but that 
which God is more willing to give than a father is 
to give good gifts to his children; that which is of- 
fered abundantly, according to the infinite fulness of 
God, and which, if received, would bring all other 
blessings in its train, — what words shall I use suffi- 
ciently to express what has been done with reference 
to it? The heavenly Messenger has been repulsed by 
the determined will. Teachers have virtually said, 
''Thus far shalt Thou go with my students, but no 
farther. We need no enthusiasm in our school, no 
excitement. We are much l)etter satisfied to work 
with the students ourselves." Thus despite has been 
done to God's gracious Messenger. 

Are not the teachers in our schools in danger of 
blasphemy, of charging the Holy Spirit with being 
a deceiving power, and leading into fanaticism? 
Where are the educators that choose the snow of 
Lebanon which comes from the rock of the field, 
or the cold, flowing waters that come from another 
place, instead of the murky waters of the valley? 

A succession of showers from the living waters has 
come to you at Battle Creek. Each shower was a 
consecrated inflowing of divine influence; but you 
did not recognize it as such. Instead of drinking 



Need of the Hohj i^pirH\^ Aid JJf)!) 

copiously of the streams of salvatioD so freely of- 
fered through tlie iuflueuce of the Holy Spirit, you 
turned to satisfy your soul-thirst witli tlie polluted 
waters of human science. The result has been 
parched hearts in the school and in the church. 
Those who are satisfied with little spirituality have 
gone far in unfitting tlieniselves to appreciate the 
deep movings of the Spirit of God. . . . 

There is need of heart conversions among the 
teachers. A genuine change of thought and methods 
of teaching is required to place them where they 
will have a personal relation to a living Saviour. 
It is one thing to assent to the Spirit's work in con- 
version, and another thing to accept that Spirit's 
agency as a reprover, calling to repentance. It is 
necessary that both teachers and students not only 
assent to truth, but have a deep practical knowledge 
of the operations of the Spirit. Its cautions are 
given because of the unbelief of those who profess 
to be Christians. . . . 

You who have long lost the spirit of prayer, pray, 
pray earnestly, ''Pity Thy suffering cause, pity the 
church, pity the individual believers. Thou Father of 
mercies. Take from us everything that defiles. Deny 
us what Thou wilt, but take not from us Thy Holy 
Spirit." 

There are and ever will be those who do not move 
wisely; who will, if words of doubt or unbelief are 
spoken, throw off conviction, and choose to follow their 
own will ; and because of their deficiencies, Christ has 
been reproached. Poor, finite mortals have judged 
the rich and precious outpouring of the Spirit, and 
passed sentence upon it, as the Jews passed sentence 



300 Counsels to Teachers 

on the work of Christ. Let it be understood in every 
institution in America, that it is not commissioned to 
you to direct the work of the Hol}^ Spirit, and to tell 
how it shall represent itself. You have been guilty 
of doing this. ^lay the Lord forgive you, is my prayer. 
Instead of being repressed and driven back, as it has 
been, the Holy Spirit should be welcomed, and its 
presence encouraged. 

When you sanctify yourself through obedience to 
the word, the Holy Spirit will give you glimpses of 
heavenly things. When you seek God with humilia- 
tion and earnestness, the words which you have spoken 
in freezing accents will burn in your heart ; the trutli 
will not then languish upon your tongues. . . . 

Teachers, trust in God and go forward. "My grace 
is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12: 9), is the assurance 
of the great Teacher. Catch the inspiration of the 
words, and never, never talk doubt and unbelief. Be 
energetic. There is no half-and-half service in pure 
and undefiled religion. "Thou shalt love the Lord 
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, 
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." 
Mark 12 : 30. The very highest sanctified aml)ition 
is demanded of those who believe the word of God. 

Tell your students that the Lord Jesus has made 
every provision that they should go onward, conquer- 
ing and to conquer. Lead them to trust in the divine 
promise, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of 
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth 
not; and it shall be given him." James 1 : 5. . . . 

From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all 
the knowledge that is of value to man, all that the in- 
tellect can grasp or retain. The fruit of the tree rep- 



Xffd of (h( Holy Slph'H'.^ Aid 301 

rosentinfi' "ood and ovil is not to be oaiicrly plucked 
because it is reeoiniuended by one wbo was once a 
l)rigbt angel in glory. He has said that if men eat 
thereof, they shall know good and evil; but let it 
alone. The true knowledge comes not from infidels 
or wicked men. The word of God is light and truth. 
The true light shines from Jesus Christ, who "light- 
eth every man that cometh into the world." John 
1 : 9. Fi'om the Holy Spirit proceeds divine knowl- 
edge. He knows what humanity needs to promote 
peace, happiness, and restfulness here in this world, 
and to secure eternal rest in the kingdom of God. — 
'^Special Testimonies on Education,' ' pp. 26-31; ivrit- 
ten from Cooranhong, N. S. W., Australia, June 12, 
1896. 



HUMAN EFFORT ESSENTIAL 

The agency of the Spirit of God does not remove 
from us the necessity of exercising our faculties and 
talents, but teaches us how to use every power to the 
glory of God. The human faculties, when under the 
special direction of the grace of God, are capable of 
being used to the best purpose on earth. Ignorance 
does not increase the humility or spirituality of any 
professed follower of Christ. The truths of the divine 
w^ord can be best appreciated by an intellectual Chris- 
tian. Christ can be best glorified by those who serve 
Him intelligently. The great object of education is 
to enable us to use the power which God has given us 
in such a manner as to represent the religion of the 
Bible and promote the glory of God. 

We are indebted to Him who gave us existence for 
the talents that have been entrusted to us ; and it is 



I:)G2 CoiniRels to Teacher.^ 

a duty we owe our Creator to cultivate and improve 
these talents. Education will discipline the mind, de- 
velop its powers, and understandingly direct them, 
that we may be useful in advancing the giory of God. 

Everlasting life! if we can comprehend this in 
the lessons that Christ gave! The questions that the 
disciples brought to the Saviour after the crowds had 
dispersed, and the teachings that He then explained 
more fully to them, are essential for the multitudes 
to-day to understand and obey. Practical godliness 
must be learned. Those who study and practise the 
teachings of Christ w^ill gain an essential education 
in Bible knowledge. By the standard of the word of 
God every teacher will one day be measured by the 
greatest Teacher this world ever knew. Belief in the 
grand truths He presented will work a reformation 
in all who truly receive them. 

The love of the truth as it is in Jesus means the 
love of all that is comprised in the truth Christ taught. 
Let our teachers strive to follow His example, to cher- 
ish His spirit of tender sympathy. Let none leave the 
love of Christ out of their labors, but let each ask 
himself the questions. Is my life a consistent life? 
Am I guided hy the Holy Spirit? It is the privilege 
of every teacher to reveal the power of a pure, con- 
sistent, Christ-loving workman. The spiritual-minded 
teacher will never have an uncertain religion. If he 
truly loves the service of Christ, he will have spiritual 
discernment and spiritual life. 



A FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE GOD'S 
^MESSENGER 

I ask you who are living at the very heart of the 
work to review the experience of years, and see if 
the "Well done" can truthfully be spoken to you. 
I ask the teachers in the school to consider carefully, 
prayerfully. Have you individually watched for your 
own soul as one who is co-operating with God for its 
purification from all sin and for its entire sanctifi- 
cation unto Him? Can you by precept and example 
teach the youth sanctification . . . through the truth 
unto holiness, obedience to God? 

Have you not been afraid of the Holy Spirit? At 
times it has come with all-pervading influence into the 
school at Battle Creek, and into the schools in other 
localities. Did you recognize it? Did you accord it 
the honor due to a heavenly IMessenger? When the 
Spirit seemed to be striving with the youth, did you 
say, "Let us put aside all study; for it is evident 
that we have among us a heavenly Guest. Let us give 
praise and honor to God"? Did you, with contrite 
hearts, bow in prayer with your students, pleading 
that you mi^ht receive the blessing that the Lord was 
offering you ? 

The great Teacher Himself was among you. How 
did you honor Him? Was He a stranger to some of 
the educators? Was there need to send for some one 
of supposed authority to welcome or repel this Messen- 
ger from heaven? Though unseen, His presence was 
among you. But was not the thought expressed that 

[363] 



864 ConnRols to Teachers 

in school the time ought to be given to study, and 
that there was a time for everything ? — as if the 
hours devoted to common study were too precious 
to be given up to the working of the heavenly Mes- 
senger. 

If you liaA^e in this way restricted and repulsed the 
Holy Spirit of God, I entreat you to repent of it as 
quickly as possible. If any have closed and padlocked 
the door of your heart to the Spirit of God, I urge 
you to unlock the door, and to pray with earnestness, 
''Abide with me." When the Holy Spirit reveals 
His presence in your schoolroom, tell your students, 
"The Lord signifies that He has for us to-day a lesson 
of heavenly import, of more value than our lessons 
in ordinary lines. Let us listen; let us bow before 
God, and seek Him with the whole heart." 

Let me tell you what I know of this heavenly Guest. 
The Holy Spirit was bj"ooding over the j^outh during 
the school hours : l)ut some hearts were so cold and dark 
that they had no desire for the Spirit's presence, and 
tlie light of God was withdrawn. The heavenly Visit- 
ant would have opened the understanding, would have 
given wisdom and knowledge in all lines of study that 
could be employed to the glory of God. He came to 
convince of sin, and to soften the hearts hardened by 
long estrangement from God. He came to reveal the 
great love wherewith God has loved these youth. . . . 

A principle of divine origin must pervade our con- 
duct, and bind us to God. This will not be in any 
way a hindrance to the study of true science. "The 
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 
9 : 10) ; and the man who consents to be moulded and 
fashioned after the divine similitude, is the noblest 



6\>f/',s^ M(ssni(i(r V}\}T('<}(i)\iz( (1 'M^V) 

work of God. All who live in eoinniuiiioii with the 
Creator will liave an nnderstandino' of His design in 
their creation. They will have a sense of their own 
accountahility to God to employ their faculties to 
the very best purpose. They will seek neither to 
glorify nor to depreciate themselves. . . . 



The religion of Christ never degrades the receiver. 
It never makes him coarse or rough, discourteous or 
self-important, passionate or hard-hearted. On the 
contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, 
and purifies and ennobles the thoughts, bringing 
them into captivity to Jesus Christ. 

God's ideal for His children is higher than the 
highest human thought can reach. The living God 
has given in His holy law a transcript of His char- 
acter. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known 
is Jesus Christ; and what is the standard He has 
given for all who believe in Him ? — ' ' Be ye therefore 
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is 
perfect." Matt. 5:48. As God is perfect in His 
high sphere of action, so man may be perfect in his 
human sphere. 

The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. 
There is opened l)efore us a path of continual advance- 
ment. We have an object to reach, a standard to 
gain, which includes everything good and pure and 
noble and elevated. There should be continual striv- 
ing and constant progress onward and upward toward 
perfection of character. . . . 

Without the divine working, man can do no good 
thing. God calls every man to repentance, yet man 



366 Counsels to Teachers 

cannot even repent unless the Holy Spirit works 
npon his heart. But the Lord wants no man to 
wait until he thinks he has repented before he takes 
steps toward Jesus. The Saviour is continually 
drawing men to repentance; they need only to sub- 
mit to be drawn, and their hearts will be melted in 
penitence. 

To man is allotted a part in this great struggle for 
everlasting life, — he must respond to the working of 
the Holy Spirit. It will require a struggle to break 
through the powers of darkness, and the Spirit works 
in him to accomplish this. But man is no passive 
being, to be saved in indolence. He is called upon to 
strain every muscle and exercise every faculty in the 
struggle for immortality; yet it is God that supplies 
the efficiency. No human being can be saved in in- 
dolence. The Lord bids us, ' ' Strive to enter in at the 
strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to 
enter in, and shall not be able. ' ' Luke 13 : 24! ^' Wide 
is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to 
destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 
because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, 
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find 
it." Matt. 7:13, 14. 

UNHOLY INFLUENCES AT WORK 

I entreat the students in our schools to be sober- 
minded. The frivolity of the young is not pleasing 
to Grod. Their sports and games open the door to 
a flood of temptations. They are in possession of 
God's heavenly endowment in their intellectual fac- 
ulties, and they should not allow their thoughts to 
be cheap and low. A character formed in accord- 



Go<r<i M(<;.^rngrr JJ nr f cognized r^f)? 

ance with the precepts oL* God's word will reveal 
steadfast principles, pure, noble aspirations. The 
Holy Spirit co-operates with the powers of the hu- 
man mind, and high and holy impulses are the sure 
result. . . . 

]\Iy soul is deeply stirred at the things that have 
been represented before me. I feel an indignation 
of spirit that in our institutions so little honor has 
been given to the living God, and so much honor to 
that which is supposed to be superior talent, but with 
which the Holy Spirit has no connection. The Spirit 
of God is not acknowledged and respected; men 
have passed judgment upon it; its operations have 
been condemned as fanaticism, enthusiasm, undue 
excitement. 

God sees that which the blind eyes of the educa- 
tors^ do not discern, — that immorality of every kind 
and degree is striving for the mastery, working 
against the manifestations of the power of the Holy 
Spirit. The commonest of conversation, and low, per- 
verted ideas are woven into the texture of character, 
and defile the soul. 

The low, common pleasure parties, gatherings for 
eating and drinking, singing and playing on instru- 
ments of music, are inspired by a spirit that is from 
beneath. They are an oblation unto Satan. The 
exhibitions in the bicycle craze are an offense to God. 
His wrath is kindled against those who do such things. 
For in these gratifications the mind becomes besotted, 
even as in liquor-drinking. The door is opened to 
vulgar associations. The thoughts, allowed to run 
in a low channel, soon pervert all the powers of the 
being. Like Israel of old, the pleasure-lovers eat and 



{IG8 CoiniRcl^ io Teachers 

drink, and rise up to play. There is mirth and 
carousing, hilarity and glee. In all this the youth 
are following the example of the ungodly authors 
of some of the books that are placed in their hands 
for study. All these things are having their effect 
upon the character. 

Those who take the lead in these frivolities bring 
upon the cause a stain not easily effaced. They 
wound their own souls, and will carry the scars 
tlirough their lifetime. The evil-doer may see his 
sins, and repent, and God may pardon the trans- 
gressor; but the power of discernment which ought 
ever to be kept keen and sensitive to distinguisli be- 
tween the sacred and the common, is in a great 
measure destroyed. . . . 

I urge upon all to whom these words may come : 
Review your own course of action, and "take lieed 
to yourselves, lest at any time your liearts be over- 
charged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares 
of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell 
on the face of the whole earth," Luke 21:34, 35. 
— ^^ Special Testimonies on Education/' pp. 202-212; 
written to the teachers in Battle Creek College. 



■^ 



It is a continual struggle to be always on the alert 
to resist evil; but it pays to obtain one victory after 
another over self and the powers of darkness. And 
if the youth are proved and tested, as was Daniel, 
what honor can the^' reflect to God by their firm 
adherence to the right ! 



MANIFEST WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

"Yet a little while is the light with you," Jesus 
said. "Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness 
come upon you : for he that walketh in darkness 
knoweth not whither he goeth. Wliile ye have light, 
believe in the light, that ye may be the children of 
light." John 12:35, 36. 

Some men in the Battle Creek College have a false 
idea as to what constitutes duty. The Lord God of 
heaven has caused His Holy Spirit from time to 
time to move upon the students in tlie school, that 
they might acknowledge Him in all their ways, so 
that He might direct their paths. At times the mani- 
festation of the Holy Spirit has l)een so decided that 
studies were forgotten, and the greatest Teacher the 
world ever knew made His voice heard, saying, 
"Come unto Me, all ye that la])or and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke 
upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and 
lowdy in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your 
souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is 
light." Matt. 11:28-30. 

The Lord knocked at the door of hearts, and I saw 
that angels of God were present. There seemed to be 
no special effort on the part of teachers to influence 
the students to give tlieir attention to the things of 
God; but God had a Watcher in the school, who, 
though His presence was unseen, made His influ- 
ence felt. . . . 

The Lord has been waiting long to impart the 
greatest, truest joys to the heart. All those who look 

[369] 
24 — Counsels 



370 Counsels to Teachers 

to Him with undivided hearts, He will greatly bless. 
Those who have thus looked to Him have caught more 
distinct views of Jesus as their sin-bearer, their all- 
sufficient sacrifice, and have been hid in the cleft 
of the Rock, to behold the Lamb of God who taketh 
away the sins of the world. When we have a sense 
of Christ's sacrifice in our behalf, our lips are tuned 
to the highest, loftiest themes of praise. 

When the students thus beheld Jesus, the suspen- 
sion of their studies was counted as no loss. They 
were catching glimpses of Him who is invisible. They 
earnestly sought the living God, and the live coal 
of pardon was placed upon their lips. The Holy 
Spirit wrought not only for those who had lost their 
first love, but also for souls who had never placed 
themselves on the Lord's side. . . . Tokens of 
His grace and favor called forth rejoicing from 
the hearts of those who were thus blessed, and it 
was known that the salvation of God was among His 
people. ... 

Why should we not expect the Holy Watcher to 
come into our schools? Our youth are there to re- 
ceive an education, to acquire a knowledge of the 
only true God. They are there to learn how to pre- 
sent Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. They are 
there to gather up precious rays of light, that 
they may diffuse light again. They are there to 
show forth the loving-kindness of the Lord, to speak 
of His glory, to sound forth the praises of Him who 
has called us out of darkness into His marvelous 
light. . . . 

Again and again the heavenly Messenger has been 
sent to the school. When His presence has been ac- 



Manifest M^orJcing of ike Holy Spirit 371 

knowledged, the darkness has fled away, the light has 
shone forth, and hearts have been drawn to God. 
The last words spoken by Christ to John were: 
"The Spirit and the bride say. Come. And let him 
that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst 
come. And whosoever will, let him take the water 
of life freely." Rev. 22:17. When we respond to 
God, and say, ''Lord, we come," then with joy shall 
we draw w^ater out of the w-ells of salvation. 

Shall we not keep holy festivals unto God? Shall 
we not show that we have some enthusiasm in His 
service? With the grand, ennobling theme of salva- 
tion before us, shall Ave be as cold as statues of 
marble? If men can become so excited over a match 
game of cricket, or a horse-race, or over foolish things 
that bring no good to any one, shall we be unmoved 
when the plan of salvation is unfolded before us? 
Let the school and the church henceforth have festi- 
vals of rejoicing unto the Lord. — ^'Special Testi- 
monies on Education,' ' pp. 77-82. 



PERILS OF WORLDLY-WISE TEACHERS 

All the treasures of heaven were committed to 
Jesus Christ, that He might impart these precious 
gifts to the diligent, persevering seeker. He ''is 
made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sancti- 
fication, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. But even 
the prayers of many are so formal that they carry 
with them no influence for good. They are not a 
savor of life. 

If teachers would humble their hearts before God, 
and realize the responsibilities they have accepted 



372 Counsels to Teachers 

in taking charge of the youth with the object of edu- 
cating them for the future immortal life, a marked 
change would soon be seen in their attitude. Their 
prayers would not be dry and lifeless, but they would 
pray with the earnestness of souls who feel their 
peril. They would learn daily of Jesus, taking the 
word of God as their lesson-book, having a living 
sense that it is the voice of God, and the atmosphere 
surrounding their souls would change materially. 
The temptation to be first would be quenched in 
the lessons daily learned in the school of Christ. They 
would not lean so confidently to their own under- 
standing, . . . 

The teachers in our schools are to-day in danger of 
foHowing in the same track as did the Jews in Christ's 
day. Whatever may be their position, liowever they 
may pride themselves upon their a])ility to teach, 
unless they open the chambers of the soul-temple to 
receive the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness, 
they are written in the books of heaven as unbelievers. 
By precept and example they intercept the rays of 
light that would come to the students. Their danger 
is in being self-centered, and too wise to be in- 
structed. 

We are living in a world full of corruption, and 
if we do not receive the living Christ into our hearts, 
believing and doing His words, Ave shall be left as 
blind as were the Jews. All teachers need to grasp 
every ray of heavenly light shed upon their path- 
way; for as instructors they need light. Some say, 
"Yes, I think I am anxious for this;" but they de- 
ceive themselves. Where do you get your light? 
From what fountain have you been drinking? I 



McDuffsl V/nd-ing of Ihr Holi/ Spirit 373 

liave the word of tlic Lord that not a few of the 
teachers have left th(^ snow waters of Lebanon for 
the turbid streams of the valley. God alone can 
guide us safely in paths which lead to the better 
country. But the teachers who are not earnestly and 
intelligently seeking that better countr}'', are lead- 
ing those under their influence to be careless, and 
to neglect the great salvation bought for them at aii 
infinite price. 

A close connection with God must be maintained 
])y all our teachers. If God should send His Holy 
Spirit into our schools to mould hearts, elevate the 
intellect, and give divine wisdom to the students, 
there are those who, in their present state, would 
interpose betw^een God and those who need the light. 
They would not understand the work of the Holy 
Spirit; they have never understood it; in the past it 
has been to them as great a mystery as were Christ's 
lessons to the Jew^s. The working of the Holy Spirit 
of God is not to create curiosity. It is not for men 
to decide whether they shall lay their hands upon 
the manifestations of the Spirit of God. We must 
let God work. 

When teachers are willing to sit in the school of 
Christ and learn of the great Teacher, they will know- 
far less in their own estimation than they do now\ 
When God becomes the teacher, He will be ac- 
knowledged, His name will be magnified. The stu- 
dents will be as w^ere the young men in the schools 
of the prophets, upon whom the Spirit of God came, 
and they prophesied. 

The great adversary of souls is seeking to bring a 
dead, lifeless spiritual atmosphere into all our insti- 



374 Counsels to Teachers 

tutions. He works to turn and twist every circum- 
stance to his own advantage, to the exclusion of 
Jesus Christ. To-day, as in the days of Christ, God 
cannot do many mighty works because of the unbe- 
lief of those who stand in responsible positions. The 
converting power of God is needed before tliey will 
understand the word of God, and be willing to humble 
themselves before Him as learners. 

FINISHING AT WORI.DLY SCHOOLS 

Prophecy tells us that we are near the close of 
time. Intellectual p()\vcr, natural abilities, supposed 
excellent judgment, will not prepare the youth to 
become missionaries for God. No one who is seeking 
an education for the work and service of God, will 
be made more complete in Jesus Christ by receiving 

the supposed finishing touch at in either 

literary or medical lines. Many have been unfitted 
to do missionary work by attending such schools. 
They have dishonored God by leaving Him on one 
side, and accepting man as their helper. ''Them 
that honor Me I will honor," God declares, ''and 
they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." 
1 Sam. 2 : 30. . . . 

God's word should be received as the foundation 
and the finisher of our faith. It is to be received 
with the understanding and with the whole heart; 
it is life, and is to be incorporated into our very 
existence. Thus received, the word of God will 
humble man at the footstool of mercy, and separate 
him from every corrupting influence. 

"In the year that King Uzziah died," says Isaiah, 
"I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and 



M(niif(sl Working of the Tfoh/ Spirit JlTf) 

lifted up, aud His train filled the temple. Above it 
stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with 
twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered 
liis feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried 
unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord 
of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And 
the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that 
cried, and the house was filled with smoke," Be- 
holding this grand and glorious representation, the 
prophet discerned his own imperfections, and those 
of the people with whom he dwelt. ''Woe is me!" 
he cried, ''for I am undone; because I am a man of 
unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of 
unclean lips : for mine eyes have seen the King, the 
Lord of hosts. ' ' Isa. 6 : 1-5. Oh, how many who are 
engaged in this work of responsibility need to be- 
hold God as did Isaiah; for in the presence of His 
glory and majesty self will sink into nothingness. — 
''Special Testimonies on Education/' pp. 165-170; 
written from Melbourne, Australia, Feh. 10, 18.94, to 
the teachers in Battle Creek College. 



-<§)- 



Only as the higher life is brought to view, as 
show^n in the teachings of Christ, can any learning 
and instruction rightly be called higher education; 
and only by the aid of the Holy Spirit can this edu- 
cation be gained. Man's study of the science of 
nature, unaided by the Holy Spirit, falls short of the 
precious things Christ desires him to learn from the 
things of the natural world: for he fails to be in- 



376 Counsels to Teachers 

strueted in the great and important truths which 
concern his salvation. 

There are great possibilities in the human under- 
standing when connected with the true Teacher, who 
in His presentation of the things of the natural world 
revealed truth in its practical bearings. God works 
all unseen upon the human heart; for without the 
divine power operating upon the understanding, the 
mind of man cannot grasp the sentiments of elevat- 
ing, ennobling truth. It cannot read the book of 
nature, nor can it understand the simplicity of god- 
liness found therein. When the human mind is freed 
from perverting influences, it can receive the lessons 
of Christ. But no man can understand the true sci- 
ence of education, only as God in His wisdom shall 
through the Holy Spirit sanctify his observation. 



If the students who attend our colleges would be 
firm and maintain integrity, if they would not asso- 
ciate wdtli those who walk in the paths of sin, nor be 
charmed by their society, like Daniel they would 
enjoy the favor of God. If they would discard un- 
profitable amusements and indulgence of appetite, 
their minds would be clear for the pursuit of knowl- 
edge. They would thus gain a moral power that 
would enable them to remain unmoved when assailed 
by temptation. 



Those who are connected with our institutions in 
positions of responsibility, should take upon them- 
selves the burden of caring for the souls of those 
placed under their charge. 



PROFITABLE STUDY 



The excellency of knowledge is 
that wisdom givetli life to them 
that have it." 



THE FALSE AND THE TRUE IN EDUCATION 

The master-mind, in the confederacy of evil is ever 
working to keep out of sight the words of God, and 
to ])ring into view the opinions of men. He means 
that we shall not hear the voice of God saying, 
''This is the way, walk ye in it." Isa. 80 : 2U 
Through perverted educational processes he is doing 
liis utmost to obscure heaven's light. 

Philosophical speculation and scientific research in 
which God. is not acknowledged are making skeptics 
of thousands. In the schools of to-day the conclu- 
sions that learned men have reached as the result 
of their scientific investigations, are carefully taught 
and fully explained; while the impression is dis- 
tinctly given that if these learned men are correct, 
the Bible cannot be. kSkepticism is attractive to the 
liuman mind. The youth see in it an independence 
that captivates the imagination, and they are de- 
ceived. Satan triumphs. He nourishes every seed 
of doubt that is sown in young hearts. He causes 
it to grow and bear fruit, and soon a plentiful har- 
vest of infidelity is reaped. 

It is because the human heart is inclined to evil 
that it is so dangerous to sow the seeds of skepticism 

[377] 



378 Counsels to Teachers 

in young minds. Whatever weakens faith in God 
robs the soul of power to resist temptation. It re- 
moves the only real safeguard against sin. We are 
in need of schools where the youth shall be tauglit 
that greatness consists in honoring God by revealing 
His character in daily life. Through His word and 
His works we need to learn of God, tluit our lives 
may fulfil His purpose. 

INFIDEL ArTTTTORS 

In order to obtain an education, many think it 
essential to study the writings of infidel authors, be- 
cause these works contain many bright gems of 
thought. But who was the originator of these gems 
of thought? — It was God, and God only. He is the 
source of all light. Why, then, should we wade 
through the mass of error contaiued in the works of 
infidels for the sake of a few intellectual truths, when 
all truth is at our command? 

How is it that men who are at war with the gov- 
ernment of God come into possession of the wisdom 
which the}^ sometimes display? Satan himself was 
educated in the heavenly courts, and he has a knowl- 
edge of good as well as of evil. He mingles the pre- 
cious with the vile, and this is what gives him power 
to deceive. But because Satan has robed himself 
in garments of heavenly brightness, shall we receive 
him as an angel of light ? The tempter has his agents, 
educated according to his methods, inspired by his 
spirit, and adapted to his work. Shall we co-operate 
with them? Shall we receive the works of his agents 
as essential to the acquirement of an education? 



False and True hi EducaUon o79 

If the tinio and effort spent in seeking to grasp the 
))right ideas of infidels were given to studying the 
precious things of the word of God, thousands who 
now^ sit in darkness and in the shadow of death w^ould 
be rejoicing in the glory of the Light of life. 

HISTORICAI. AND THEOr.OGICAI. LORE 

As a preparation for Christian work, many think 
it essential to acquire an extensive knowledge of 
historical and theological writings. They suppose 
that this knowledge will be an aid to them in teach- 
ing the gospel. But their laborious study of the 
opinions of men tends to the enfeebling of their min- 
istry, rather than to its strengthening. As I see 
libraries filled with ponderous volumes of historical 
and theological lore, I think, Why spend money for 
that which is not bread "^ The sixth chapter of John 
tells us more than can be found in such works. Christ 
says: "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me 
shall never hunger ; and he that believeth on Me shall 
never thirst." "I am the living bread which came 
down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, 
he shall live forever." "He that believeth on Me 
hath everlasting life." ''The words that I speak unto 
you, they are spirit, and they are life. ' ' John 6 : 
35, 51, 47, 63. 

There is a study of history that is not to be con- 
demned. Sacred history was one of the studies in 
the schools of the prophets. In the record of His 
dealings with the nations were traced the footsteps 
of Jehovah. So to-day we are to consider the deal- 
ings of God with the nations of the earth. We are to 
see in history the fulfilment of prophecy, to study the 



380 Counsels to Teachers 

workings of Providence in the great reformatory 
movements, and to understand tlie progress of events 
in the marshaling of the nations for the final conflict 
of the great controversy. 

Such study will give broad, comprehensive views 
of life. It will help us to understand something of 
its relations and dependencies, how wonderfully we 
are bound together in the great brotherhood of so- 
ciety and nations, and to how great an extent the 
oppression and degradation of one member means 
loss to all. 

But history, as commonly studied, is concerned 
with man's achievements, his victories in battle, his 
success in attaining power and greatness. God's 
agency in the affairs of men is lost sight of. Few 
study the working out of His purpose in the rise and 
fall of nations. 

And to a great degree theology, as studied and 
taught, is l)ut a record of human speculation, serv- 
ing only to darken ''counsel by words without 
knowledge." Job 38:2. Too often the motive in 
accumulating these many books is not so much a de- 
sire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an 
ambition to become acquainted with philosophers and 
theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the 
people in learned terms and propositions. 

Not all the books written can serve the purpose of 
a holy life. "Learn of Me," said the great Teacher, 
"take My yoke upon you, learn My meekness and 
lowliness." Your intellectual pride Avill not aid you 
in communicating with souls that are perishing for 
w^ant of the bread of life. In your study of these 
books, you are allowing them to take the place of 



False and True in Education 381 

the practical lessons you should be !ea ruing from 
Christ. With the results of tliis study the people are 
not fed. Very little of the research which is so 
wearying to the mind furnishes that which will help 
one to be a successful laborer for souls. 

The Saviour came "to preach the gospel to the 
poor." Luke 4:18. In His teaching lie used the 
simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is 
said that "the common people heard Him gladly." 
]\Iark 12 : 37. Those who are seeking to do His work 
for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons 
He has given. 

The words of the living God are the highest of 
all education. Those Avho minister to the people need 
to eat of the bread of life. This will give them spir- 
itual strength; then they will l)e prepared to min- 
ister to all classes of people. 

THE CLASSICS 

In the colleges and universities, thousands of youtli 
devote a large part of the best years of life to the 
study of Greek and Latin. And while they are en- 
gaged in these studies, mind and character are 
moulded by the evil sentiments of pagan literature, 
the reading of which is generally regarded as an es- 
sential part of the study of these languages. 

Those who are conversant with the classics declare 
that "the Greek tragedies are full of incest, murder, 
and human sacrifices to lustful and revengeful gods, ' ' 
Far better would it be for the world were the educa- 
tion gained from such sources to be dispensed with. 
"Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be 
burned?" Prov. 6:28, "Who can bring a clean 



382 Counsels to Teachers 

thing out of an unclean ? not one. ' ' Job 14 : 4. 
Can we, tlien, expect tlie youth to develop Christian 
character while their education is moulded by the 
teaching of those wlio set at defiance the pjinciples 
of the law of God? 

In casting off restraint, and plunging into reckless 
amusement, dissipation, and vice, students are but 
imitating that whieli is kept before their minds by 
these studies. There are callings in whicli a knowl- ^ 
edge of Greek and Latin is needed. Some must study 
these languages. But the knowledge of them essen- 
tial for practical uses might be gained without a 
study of literature that is corrupt and corrupting. 

And a knowledge of Greek and Latin is not needed 
l)y many. The study of dead languages should be 
made secondary to a study of those subjects that 
teach the right use of all the powers of body and 
mind. It is folly for students to devote their time 
to the acquirement of dead languages, or of book 
knowledge in any line, to the neglect of a training 
for life's practical duties. 

What do students carry with them when they leave 
school? Where are they going? What are they to 
do? Have they the knowledge that will enable them 
to teach others ? Have they been educated to be true 
fathers and mothers? Can they stand at the head 
of a family as wise instructors? The only educa- 
tion worthy of the name is that which leads young 
men and women to be Christlike, which fits them to 
bear life's responsibilities, fits them to stand at the 
head of their families. Such an education is not 
to be acquired by a study of heathen classics. . . . 



Fahe and True in E (hi en I ion :i88 

HIGH- CLASS FICTION 

There are works of fiction that were written for 
the purpose of teaching truth or exposing some great 
evil. Some of these works liave accomplished good. 
Yet they have also wrought untold harm. They con- 
tain statements and highly wrought pen-pictures that 
excite the imagination and give rise to a train of 
thought which is full of danger, especially to the 
youth. The scenes descrihed are lived over and over 
again in their thoughts. Such reading unfits the 
mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it for spiritual 
exercise. It destroys interest in the Bible. Heav- 
jnly things find little place in the thoughts. As the 
nind dwells upon the scenes of impurity portrayed, 
passion is aroused, and the end is sin. 

Even fiction w^hich contains no suggestion of im- 
purity, and which may be intended to teach excellent 
principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of 
hasty and superficial reading, merely for the story. 
Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and 
vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate 
the great problems of duty and destiny. 

By fostering love for mere amusement, the read- 
ing of fiction creates a distaste for life's practical 
duties. Through its exciting, intoxicating power, it 
is not infrequently a cause of both mental and physi- 
cal disease. Many a miserable, neglected home, many 
a lifelong invalid, many an inmate of the insane asy- 
lum, has become such through the habit of novel- 
reading. 

It is often urged that in order to win the youth 
from sensational or worthless literature, we should 



384 Counsels to Teachers 

supply them with a better class of fiction. This is 
like trying to cure the drunkard by giving him, in 
the place of whisky or brandy, the milder intoxicants, 
such as wine, beer, or cider. The use of these would 
continually foster the appetite for stronger stimu- 
lants. The only safety for the inebriate, and the only 
safeguard for the temperate man, is total a1)stineuco. 
For the lover of fiction the same rule holds true. 
Total al)stinence is his only safety. 

MYTHS AND FAIRY TALES 

In the education of chiklrcn and youtli, fairy tales, 
myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large 
phice. Books of this character are used in the schools, 
and they are to be found in many liomes. How can 
Christian parents permit tlieir chiklren to use ])ooks 
so filled with falsehood? When the children ask the 
meaning of stories so contrary to the teaching of their 
parents, the answer is that the stories are not true; 
but this does not do away witli the evil results of 
their use. The ideas presented in these books mislead 
the children. They impart false views of life, and 
l)eget and foster a desire for the unreal. 

The wide-spread use of such books at this time is 
one of the cunning devices of Satan. He is seeking 
to divert the minds of old and young from the great 
work of character-building. He means that our chil- 
dren and youth shall be swept away by the soul- 
destroying deceptions with which he is filling the 
world. Therefore he seeks to divert their minds 
from the word of God, and thus prevent them from 
obtaining a knowledge of those truths that would be 
their safeguard. 



False and True in Education 385 

Never should books (containing- a perversion of truth 
be placed in tlie liands of children or j^outh. Let not 
our children, in the very process of obtaining an edu- 
cation, receive ideas that will prove to be seeds of 
sin. If those with mature minds had nothing to do 
with such books, they would themselves be far safer, 
and their example and influence on the right side 
would make it far less difficult to guard the youth 
from temptation. 

A PURER FOUNTAIN 

''Bow down thine ear/ and hear the words of the wise, 
And apply thine heart unto My knowledge. . . . 
That thy trust may be in the Lord, 
I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 

"Have I not written to thee excellent things 
In counsels and knowledge, 
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of 

truth ; 
That thou mightest answer the words of truth to tlieiii that 

send unto thee?" Prov. 22:17-21. 

"He established a testimony in Jacob, 

And appointed a law in Israel, 

Whieli He commanded our fathers, 

That they sliould make them known to their children;" 
' ' Showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, 

And His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath 
done. ' ' 

"That the generation to come might know them. 
Even the children which should be born; 
Who should arise and declare them to their children: 
That they might set their hope in God." Ps. 78:4-7. 

"The blessing of the Lord, it niaketh rich, 
And He addeth no sorrow with it." Prov. 10:22. 

Christ's teaching 

So also Christ presented the principles of truth 
in the gospel. Tn His teaching we may drink of 

2S — Counsels 



386 Coumch to Teacher<i 

the pure streams that flow from the throne of God. 
Christ could have imparted to men knowledge that 
would have surpassed any previous disclosures, and 
put in the background every other discovery. He 
could have unlocked mystery after mystery, and 
could have concentrated around these wonderful reve- 
lations the active, earnest thought of successive gen- 
erations till the close of time. But He would not 
spare a moment from teaching the science of salva- 
tion. His time, His faculties, and His life were ap- 
preciated and used only as a means for working out 
the salvation of the souls of men. He had come to 
seek and to save that which was lost, and He would 
not be turned from His purpose. He allowed noth- 
ing to divert Him. 

Christ imparted only that knowledge which could 
be utilized. His instruction of the people was con- 
fined to the needs of their own condition in practical 
life. The curiosity that led them to come to Him 
with prying questions. He did not gratify. All such 
questionings He made the occasion for solemn, ear- 
nest, vital appeals. To those who were so eager to 
pluck from the tree of knowledge. He offered the 
fruit of the tree of life. They found every avenue 
closed, except the way that leads to God. Every 
fountain was sealed, save the fountain of eternal life. 

Our Saviour did not encourage any to attend the 
rabbinical schools of His day, for the reason that 
their minds would be corrupted with the continually 
repeated, ''They say," or ''It has been said." Why, 
then, should we accept the unstable words of men as 
exalted wisdom, when a greater, a certain wisdom is 
at our command? 



False (Did True in Education 387 

That which I have seen of eternal things, and that 
which I have seen of the weakness of humanity, has 
deeply impressed my mind and influenced my life- 
work. I see nothing wherein man should be praised 
or glorified. I see no reason why the opinions of 
worldly-wdse men and so-called great men should be 
trusted in and exalted. How can those who are des- 
titute of divine enlightenment have correct ideas of 
God's plans and ways? They either deny Him alto- 
gether and ignore His existence, or they circumscribe 
His power by their own finite conceptions. 

Let us choose to be taught by Him who created 
the heavens and the earth, by Him who set the stars 
in their order in the firmament, and appointed the 
sun and the moon to do their work. 

KNOWLEDGE THAT CAN BE UTILIZED 

It is right for the youth to feel that they must 
reach the highest development of their mental powers. 
We would not restrict the education to which God 
has set no limit. But our attainments avail nothing 
if not put to use for the honor of God and the good 
of humanity. 

It is not well to crowd the mind with studies that 
require intense application, but that are not brought 
into use in practical life. Such education will be a 
loss to the student; for these studies lessen his de- 
sire and inclination for the studies that would fit 
him for usefulness and enable him to fulfil his re- 
sponsibilities. A practical training is worth far more 
than any amount of mere theorizing. It is not enough 
even to have knowledge; we must have ability to use 
the knowledge aright. 



388 Counsels to Teachers 

The time, means, and studj^ that so many expend 
for a comparatively useless education, should be de- 
voted to gaining an education that would make them 
practical men and women, fitted to bear life's respon- 
sibilities. Such an education would be of the high- 
est value. 

HEART EDUCATION 

What we need is knowledge that will strengthen 
mind and soul, that will make us better men and 
women. Heart education is of far more importance 
than mere book learning. It is well, even essential, 
to have a knowledge of the world in which we live ; 
but if we leave eternity out of our reckoning, we 
shall make a failure from wliich we can never re- 
cover. . . . 

If the youth understood their own weakness, they 
would find in God their strength. If they seek to be 
tauglit by Him, they will become wise in His wisdom, 
and their lives will be fruitful in blessing to the 
world. But if they give up their minds to mere 
worldly and speculative study, and thus separate 
from God, they Avill lose all that enriches life. — 
''Ministry of Healing,'' pp. 439-450. 



® 

To gain the higher education means to become a 
partaker of the divine nature. It means to C()i)y the 
life and character of Christ, so that we shall stand on 
vantage-ground as we fight the battles of life. It 
means to gain daily victories over sin. As we seek 
for this education, angels of God are our companions ; 
when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of 
the Lord lifts up a standard for us against him. 



THE KNOWLEDGE THAT ENDURES 

I am given words of caution for the teachers in 
onr schools. The work of our schools should hear a 
different stamp from tliat ])oi'ne hy some of the most 
popular of our institutions of learning. IMany of the 
text-hooks used in these schools are unnecessary for 
the work of preparing students for the school ahove. 
As a result, the youth are not receiving the most 
perfect Christian education. Those points of study 
are neglected that are most needed to fit them for 
missionary work in home and foreign fields, and to 
prepare them to stand in the last great examination. 
The education needed is that which will qualify stu- 
dents for practical service, by teaching them to bring 
every faculty under the control of the Spirit of God. 
The study book of the highest value is that which 
contains the instruction of Christ, the Teacher of 
teachers. 

The Lord requires our teachers to put away from 
our schools those books teaching sentiments Avhich are 
not in accordance with His word, and to give place 
to those books that are of the highest value. He will 
be honored when they show to the world that a wis- 
dom more than human is theirs, because the ]\ Easter- 
teacher is standing as their instructor. 

There is need of separating from our educational 
work an erroneous, polluted literature, so that ideas 
which are the seeds of sin will not be received and 
cherished as the truth. Let not any suppose that a 
study of books which will lead to the reception of 
false ideas, is valuable education. Those ideas which, 

[389] 



'^90 Cr)}n)>;ch to Tcartiera 

gaining entrance to the mind, separate the youth 
from the Source of all wisdom, all efficiency, all 
power, leave them the sport of Satan's temptations. 
A pure education for the youth in our schools, 
unmixed with heathen philosophy, is a positive 
necessity. 

We need to guard continually against those books 
which contain sophistry in regard to geology and 
other branches of science. Before the theories of 
men of science are presented to immature students, 
they need to be carefully sifted from every trace of 
infidel suggestions. One tiny seed of infidelity sown 
by a teacher in the heart of a student may spring up 
and bring forth a harvest of unbelief. The sophis- 
tries regarding God and nature that are flooding 
the world with skepticism, are the inspiration of the 
fallen foe. Satan is a Bible student. He knows 
the truths that are essential for salvation, and it 
is his study to divert minds from these truths. Let 
our teachers beware lest they echo the falsehoods of 
the enemy of God and man. 

It is a mistake to put into the hands of the youth 
books that perplex and confuse them. The reason 
sometimes given for this study is that the teacher 
has passed over this ground, and the student must 
follow. But if teachers were receiving light and 
wisdom from the divine Teacher, they would look at 
this matter in a very different way. They would 
measure the relative importance of the things to be 
learned in school. The common, essential branches 
of education w^ould be more thoroughly taught, and 
the word of God would be esteemed as the bread sent 
down from heaven, which sustains all si)iritual life. 



Thr K)wwh(lgc thai Endures 391 

We are slow to realize how much we need to uiidei'- 
stand the teachings of Christ and His methods of 
labor. If these were better understood, much of the 
instruction given in our schools would be counted as 
of no value. It would be seen that much that is now 
taught does not develop the simplicity of true god- 
liness in the life of the student. Finite wisdom would 
receive less esteem, and the word of God would have 
a more honored place. 

If the teachers in our schools would search the 
Scriptures for the purpose of securing a better under- 
standing for themselves, opening their hearts to the 
light given in the word, they w^ould be taught of 
God. They would love and practise the truth, and 
would labor to bring in less of the theories and senti- 
ments of men who have never had a connection with 
God, and more of the knowledge that endures. They 
would feel a deep soul-hunger for the wisdom that 
comes from above. 

STUDYING TO USELESS ENDS 

Often students spend many years in study that is 
conducted on wrong lines and to useless ends. The 
mind is trained to think in a wrong channel, taught 
to grasp those things that are not only utterly worth- 
less, but an injury to the physical and mental health. 
The student obtains a slender store of information 
upon many subjects that are of little value to him, 
a limited knowledge along many lines that he will 
never use, when he might obtain knowledge that 
would be of the highest service in practical life, 
and which would be a storehouse of wisdom from 
which to draw in time of need. 



392 Counsels to Teachers 

It is difficult to depart from old customs and es- 
tablished ideas. But few realize the loss that is sus- 
tained hy many in long courses of study. ]\Iuch that 
is crowded into the brain is of no value, yet students 
suppose this education to be all-sufficient, and after 
years of study they leave school with their diplomas, 
believing' that they are men and women properly edu- 
cated and ready for service. In many cases this 
preparation for service is nothing more than a farce, 
yet it will continue until teachers receive the wis- 
dom of heaven tlirougli tlie influence of tlie Holy 
Spirit. 

]\Iany a student has so long taxed the mind to 
learn that which his reason tells him will never be of 
any use, that his mental powers have become weak- 
ened, and incapable of vigorous exertion and perse- 
vering effort to comprehend those things which are 
of vital importance. The money expended in his 
education, which perhaps was provided as the result 
of great sacrifice on the part of his parents, is well- 
nigh wasted ; and a misappreliension as to what is of 
importance leads to a mistake in his life-work. 

What a fraud is that education obtained in literary 
or scientific lines, if it must be stripped from the 
learner before he is counted worthy to enter upon 
that life which measures with the life of God, him- 
self saved as by fire. God has given us a probation 
in which to prepare for the school above. For this 
the youth are here to be educated, disciplined, 'and 
trained. In the lower school of earth they are to 
form characters that God can approve. They are to 
receive a training, not in the customs and amuse- 
ments of worldly society, but in Christ's lines, a 



The KnowJcdge that Endures .S98 

traiiiin*'- that will fit tlieiii to be co-lMboivrs witli 
lieavenly intelligences. The studies given the youth 
should be of a character to make them moi'e success- 
ful in the service of God; to enable them to follow 
in the footsteps of Christ, and to maintain the 
great principles that He maintained. Our standard 
is to he the character of Ilim who is pure, holy, 
undefiled. . . . 

The knowledge of God is the real essence of edu- 
cation. The education that would supersede this 
knowledge, or dismiss it from the mind, as Felix dis- 
missed Paul, when he spoke to him of temperance, 
righteousness, and judgment to come, is not of God. 
Paul's w^ords made Felix tremble; but the governor 
dismissed the apostle with the w^ords, "Go thy w^ay 
for this time; when I have a convenient season, I wnll 
call for thee." Acts 24:25. And to-day multitudes 
are saying the same. Their minds are called to the 
deep subjects of truth, problems as high as heaven 
and as broad as eternity; but they say, ''I cannot 
bring these subjects into my daily studies; for tliey 
would so stir up my mind as to unfit me for the daily 
routine of study. I have never mastered Bible })rob- 
lems. I cannot take up this study now. Go thy w^ay 
for this time ; when I have a convenient season, I will 
call for thee." Thus God's great lesson-book is set 
aside, because it is not regarded as the one thing 
needful. 

THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT 

I do not wdsh any one to receive from the words I 
have written the impression that the standard of edu- 
cation in our schools is to be in any way low-ered. 



394 (WtunseU to TeacJierfi 

Every student shouUl reineinber that tlic Lord re- 
quires him to make of himself all that is possible, that 
he may wisely teach others also. Our students should 
tax the mental powers; every faculty should reach 
the highest possible development. 

Many students come to college with intellectual 
habits that are a hindrance to them. One of the most 
difficult to manage is the habit of performing mental 
w^ork as a matter of routine, instead of bringing to 
bear upon each study thoughtful, determined effort 
to master difficulties, and to grasp the principles at 
the foundation of the subject under consideration. 
Indolence, apathy, irregularity, are to be dreaded, 
and the binding of oneself to routine is just . as 
much to be dreaded. Through the grace of Christ 
it is in the power of students to change this habit 
of routine, and it is for their best interests and future 
usefulness rightly to direct the mental faculties, train- 
ing them to do service under the guidance of the 
wisest of all teachers, whose power they may claim 
by faith. This will give them success in their intel- 
lectual efforts, in accordance with God's promise. 

A thorough education, which will fit young men 
and women for service, is to be given in our schools. 
In order to secure such an education the wisdom that 
comes from God must be made first and most im- 
portant. All who engage in the acquisition of knowl- 
edge should strive to reach the highest round of the 
ladder. Let students advance as fast and as far as 
they can; let the field of their study be as broad as 
their powers can compass; but let them make God 
their wisdom, clinging to Him who is infinite in 
knowledge, who can reveal secrets hidden for ages. 



Thf Knowlfdiip. that Endures liOf) 

and who can solve the most difficult pr'oblciiis for 
minds that believe in Him. 

We commend to every student the Book of books 
as the ofrandest study for human intelligence, the 
book that contains the knowledge essential for this 
life and for the life to come. But I do not encourage 
a letting down of the educational standard in the 
study of the sciences. The light that has been given 
on this subject is clear, and should in no case be 
disregarded. 

PUTTING THE BIBLE FIRST 

In the instruction given in our schools, the natural 
and the spiritual are to be combined. The laws 
obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is under 
the masterly power of an infinite God. The same 
principles run through the spiritual and the natural 
world. Divorce God from the acquisition of knowl- 
edge, and you have a lame, one-sided education, dead 
to all the saving qualities that give true power to 
man. The Author of nature is the Author of the 
Bible. Creation and Christianity have one God. God 
is revealed in nature, and God is revealed in His 
word. In clear rays the light shines from the sacred 
page, showing us the living God, as represented in 
the laws of His government, in the creation of the 
world, in the heavens that He has garnished. His 
power is to be recognized as the only means of re- 
deeming the world from the degrading superstitions 
that are so dishonoring to God and man. 

The student who in his school life becomes familiar 
with the truths of God's word and feels their trans- 
forming power upon his heart, will represent the 



396 Counsels to Teachers 

character of Christ to the \vorld in a well-ordered life 
and a godly conversation. God will do great things 
for those who will open the heart to His word, and 
let it take possession of the soul-temple. The de- 
parture from the simplicity of true godliness on the 
part of students has had an influence to weaken char- 
acter and lessen mental vigor. Tlieir advancement 
in the sciences has been retarded, while if tliey had 
been like Daniel, hearers and doers of the word of 
God, they would have advanced as he did in all 
branches of learning upon which they entered. Be- 
ing pure-minded, they would have l)ecome strong- 
minded. Every intellectual faculty would have been 
sharpened. 

When the Bible is made the guide and counselor, 
it exerts an ennol)ling influence upon the mind. Its 
study more than any other will refine and elevate. It 
will enlarge the mind of the candid student, endow- 
ing it with new impulses and fresh vigor. It will 
give greater efficiency to the faculties by bringing 
them in contact with grand, far-reaching truths. If 
the mind becomes dwarfed and inel^cient, it is be- 
cause it is left to deal with commonplace subjects 
only. Let the Bible be received as the food of. the 
soul, the best and most effectual means of purifying 
and strengthening the intellect. 

® 



Out of the heart are the issues of life ; and the heart 
of the community, of the church, and of the nation, 
is the household. The well-being of society, the suc- 
cess of the church, the prosperity of the nation, de- 
pend upon home influences. 



IN CO-OPEKATION WITH CHRIST 

I am instructed to say to teachers, ministers, and 
physicians, who hold responsilile positions in the work 
of the third angel's message. You have a solemn work 
to do, a holy work. Those who hold positions of trust 
in the cause of God are to perfect the life after the 
divine similitude. In the home, in the church, be- 
fore the world, they are to reveal the power of Chris- 
tian principle to transform the life. Let them work 
honestly; let them seek to reveal the spirit of Christ 
in their Avork; let them ever strive to reach higher 
ground. As I realize the perilous times before us, 
and the great responsihilities resting upon teachers, 
ministers, and physicians, a heavy burden comes upon 
me, lest they be unfaithful in the discharge of duty. 

"Ye that love the Lord, hate evil," the psalmist 
exhorts. ''He preserveth the souls of His saints; He 
delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light 
is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the up- 
right in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; 
and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. ' ' 
Ps. 97 : 10-12. Teachers, ministers, and physicians 
are talking of higher ground to be gained in edu- 
cational lines; but these words of the psalmist show 
that it is by serving God that this higher ground 
will be gained. We should now be putting away evil 
speaking, selfish plans, everything that would hurt 
the influence or confuse the judgment. The heart 
must be emptied of all self-seeking ; the conduct must 
be such that it will lead no soul into false paths. 

[397] 



.'^98 Counsels to Teacliers 

The Lord calls upon His people to put away in- 
dolence and indifference, and to act like converted 
men and women. Diligent work is to be done in the 
circulation of our literature. Faithful work, marked 
by Christian politeness, is to be done in many mis- 
sionary lines. The truth is to go forth as a lamp 
that burneth, that the real meaning of higher edu- 
cation may be clearly understood. 

In our towns and cities are soids living in igno- 
rance of the truths of God's word; many are perish- 
ing in sin. Some out of curiosity come to our houses 
of worship. Let every discourse preached be a reve- 
lation of the great truths applicable to this time. 
Unveil the mysteries of redemption before the stu- 
dents in the school, and before the congregations who 
assemble to hear the word. This is knowledge needed 
by the educated and the unlearned. The highest 
education will be found in studying the mystery of 
godliness. The great truths of God's word, if be- 
lieved and received and carried into the life practice, 
will result in education of the highest order. 

The Saviour in His teachings ever showed the re- 
lation between cause and effect. To His followers 
in every age He speaks, saying, "Let your light so 
shine before men, that they may see your good works, 
and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 
5 : 16. The man or woman who has a knowledge of 
the truth, but whose life does not express its prin- 
ciples, is hiding his light. My brethren, let the light 
be brought from under the bushel, that it may make 
known the truths of the gospel. Invisible agencies 
will work through the visible; the supernatural will 
co-operate with the natural, the heavenly with the 



J)i Co-ojx ralioii H'illi CJiri!it 1^0!) 

(';ii-tlil\'; unknown things will be revealed through 
the known. L(^t the o-raee of Christ, be revealed to 
teach that man may be renewed in the likeness of 
God. 

The Saviour's promise, "Whosoever hath, to him 
shall be given" (]\ratt. 13: 12), applies also to the re- 
ception of truth. To him who seeks to understand 
its teachings, will be given increased understanding. 
To him who reveals that he possesses the spirit of 
truth, will be given a larger measure of the Spirit, 
that he may work out his own salvation. The work 
of reflecting Christ to the world will not be done 
boastingly, but in fear and trembling, yet in the 
power of the Spirit. 

The most desirabh^ education is a knowledge of 
the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. He who 
serves the world sees not the great things of eternal 
interest prepared for the one who opens his heart to 
the light of heaven. But he who enters this path of 
knowledge, and perseveres in his search after the 
hidden wisdom, to him heavenly agencies teach the 
great lessons which through faith in Christ enable him 
to be an overcomer. Through this knowledge spirit- 
ual perfection is reached; the life becomes holy and 
Christlike. 

Christ's teachings were not impressed upon His 
hearers by any outward gestures, but l)y the words 
and acts of His daily life, by the spirit He re- 
vealed. In the higher life that He led as He worked 
the works of God, He gave to men an example of the 
outworking of the true higher education. So in the 
lives of His followers, when a hasty spirit is over- 
come, when the heart is melted to tenderness for 



400 Counsels to Teachers 

others, when the life is devoted to working the w^orks 
of Christ, the fruit of the higher education is seen. 
Higher education is not gained by the study of a 
certain class of books that worldly teachers deem es- 
sential, but ])y the study of the word of God. This 
study will lead to obedience to His requirements, 
and to a constant walking in the footsteps of Christ. 
There is no education higher than that to be found 
in the lessons that Christ gave. When these are dis- 
carded for the teachings of men, it is time that God's 
people became converted anew, and learned from 
Christ the simplicity of true godliness. 



-®- 



"When the converting power of God takes hold of 
the teachers in our schools, they will recognize that 
a knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ covers a 
much broader field than the so-called ''advanced 
methods'^ of education. But unless they have broader 
views in regard to what constitutes education, they 
will experience great hindrance in preparing mis- 
sionaries to go out to give their knowledge to others. 

Teachers, take your position as true educators, and 
pour into the hearts of the students the living stream 
of redeeming love. Before their minds are pre- 
occupied with literary work, entreat them to seek 
Christ and His righteousness. Show them the 
changes that will surely take place if the heart is 
given to Christ. Fasten their attention on Him. 
This will close the door to the foolish aspirations 
that naturally arise, and will prepare the mind for 
the reception of divine truth. 



TO TEACHERS AND STUDENTS 

We have been warned again and again that the 
character of the education that has been current in 
the workl cannot stand the test of the word of God. 
The subject of education is one tliat should interest 
every Seventh-day Adventist. The Lord says to us, 
Seventh-day Adventists are not to phice themselves 
under the counsel and instruction of teachers who 
know not the truth for this time. The moulding and 
fashioning of minds should not be left to men who 
have not comprehended the importance of a prepara- 
tion for that life which measures with the life of God. 

Some of our teachers have been charmed with the 
sentiments of infidel authors. In a representation 
given me, I saw one holding in his hand one of these 
books, and recommending it to our teachers as a book 
from which real help coidd 1)e obtained along educa- 
tional lines. Another was holding in His hand books 
of an altogether different character. He placed His 
hand upon the one who had recommended the infidel 
author, and said : ' ' Advice of the kind you have given 
is opening the door for Satan with his sophistries to 
find easy entrance .to your school. These books con- 
tain sentiments that your students should be in- 
structed to avoid. Human minds are easily charmed 
with studies that lead to infidelity. These books pro- 
duce in the minds of the students a distaste for the 
study of the word of God, which is eternal life to 
all who follov\^ its instruction. Such books should 
not find entrance into any school where the youth 
are being taught to be learners of the greatest of 
teachers." 

[401] 

26 — Counsels 



402 Counsels to Teachers 

With solemn voice the speaker continued: "Do 
you find in these authors that which you can recom- 
mend as essential to true higher education? Would 
you dare to recommend their study to students who 
are ignorant of their true character? Wrong habits 
of thought, when once accepted, become a despotic 
power that fastens the mind as in a grasp of steel. 
If many who have received and read these books had 
never seen them, but had accepted the words of the 
divine Teacher in their place, they would be far in 
advance of where they now are in a knowledge of the 
divine truths of God's word, which make men wise 
unto salvation. These books have led thousands 
where Satan led Adam and Eve, — to a knowledge 
that God forbade them to have. Through their 
teachings, students have been turned away from the 
word of the Lord to fables." 

I am instructed to say to students, In your search 
for knowledge, climb higher than the standard set 
by the world; follow where Jesus has led the way. 
And to teachers I would say, Beware how you sow 
the seeds of unbelief in human hearts and minds. 
Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and 
spirit. The crowning glory of Christ's attributes is 
His holiness. The angels bow before Him in adora- 
tion, exclaiming, ''Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Al- 
mighty. ' ' Rev. 4 : 8. He is declared to be glorious 
in His holiness. Study the character of God. By 
beholding Christ, by seeking Him in faith and prayer, 
you may become like Him. 

The standard of education in our schools is lowered 
as soon as Christ ceases to be the pattern of teachers 
and students. Teachers are to understand that their 



To Teachers and Students 403 

work is not confined to the knowledge contained in 
text-books; it is to reach higher, far lugher than it 
does. A coiii'se of self -discipline is to educate them 
to conform the cliaracter to the divine similitude. 
Self dies hard, but when teachers have that wisdom 
which comics from above, the.y will discern the true 
object of our educational work, and reforms will be 
made that will give our youth a training that is ac- 
(^ording to the Lord's plan of development. 

Teachers, weed from your talks all that is not of 
the highest and best quality. Keep before the stu- 
dents those sentiments only that are essential. Never 
should the physician, minister, or teacher prolong 
his talks until the alpha is forgotten in long-drawn- 
out assertions that are not of the least benefit. When 
tliis is done, the mind is swamped with a multitude 
of words that it cannot retain. Let the talks given 
be short and right to the point. Let the mind be kept 
sweet and pure, and open to heaven 's first law, ' ' Thou 
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and 
with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with 
all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 
10 : 27. If those who act a part in the training of 
the youth will leave many things unsaid, and pre- 
sent before the students the importance of the prin- 
ciples they must obey in order to have eternal life, 
there will be seen a work of true reform. 



A SPEEDY PREPARATION FOR WORK 

The practice of furnishing a few students with 
every advantage for perfecting their education in so 
many lines that it would be iinpossihle for them to 
make use of them all, is an injury rather than a 
])enefit to the one who has so many advantages, and 
it deprives others of the privileges that they need 
so much. If there were far less of this long-con- 
tinued preparation, far less exclusive devotion to 
study, there would be much more opportunity for 
an increase of the student's faith in God. ... It 
has been shown me that some of the students are 
losing their spirituality, that their faith is becoming 
weak, and that they do not hold constant commun- 
ion with God. They spend nearly all their time in 
the perusal of books ; they seem to know but little 
else. But what advantage will all this preparation 
be to them ? What benefit will they derive for all the 
time and money spent? I tell you, it will be worse 
than lost. . . . 

There should l)e most careful consideration as to 
the best manner of expending money in the educa- 
tion of students. While so much is spent to put a few 
through an expensive course of study, there are many 
who are thirsting for the knowledge they should get 
in a few months; one or two years would be consid- 
ered a great blessing. If all the means is used in 
putting a few through several years of study, many 
young men and women just as worthy cannot be as- 
sisted at all. . . . 
.[404] 



A Specdjj Preparation 405 

Instead of overedueating a few, enlarge the si)liere 
of yonr charities. Resolve tliat the means which you 
use in educating" woi'kers for the cause shall not l^e 
expended simply upon one, ena])ling him to get more 
than he really needs, while others are left without 
anything at all. Give students a start, but do not 
feel that it is your duty to carry them year after 
year. It is their duty to get out into the field to 
work, and it is your place to extend your charities 
to others who are in need of assistance. . . . 

Too great devotion to study, even of true science, 
creates an abnormal appetite, which increases as it 
is fed. This creates a desire to secure more knowl- 
edge than is essential to do the work of the Lord. 
The pursuit of knowledge merely for its own sake, 
diverts the mind from devotion to God, and checks 
advance along the path of practical holiness. . . . 
The Lord Jesus imparted only such a measure of in- 
struction as could be utilized. . . . The minds of the 
disciples were often excited by curiosity; but instead 
of gratifying their desire to know things which were 
not necessary for the proper conduct of their work. 
He opened new channels of thought to their minds. 
He gave them much needed instruction upon prac- 
tical godliness. . . . 

INTEMPERANCE IN STUDY 

Intemperance in study is a species of intoxication, 
and those who indulge in it, like the drunkard, 
wander from safe paths, and stumble and fall in the 
darkness. The Lord would have every student bear 
in inind that the eye must be kept single to the glory 
uf God. He is not to exhaust and waste his physical 



406 Counsels to Teachers 

and mental powers in seeking to acquire all possible 
knowledge of the sciences, but is to preserve the 
freshness and vigor of all his powers to engage in 
the work which the Lord has appointed him in help- 
ing souls to find the path of righteousness. . . . 
The command of heaven is to do, to work, — to do 
something which will reflect glory to God by being 
a benefit to our fellow-men. . . . 

The Lord does not choose or accept laborers ac- 
cording to the advantages they have enjoyed, or ac- 
cording to the superior education they have received. 
The value of the human agent is estimated according 
to the capacity of the heart to know and understand 
God. . . . The highest possible good is obtained 
through a knowledge of God. "This is life eternal, 
that they might know Thee the only true God, and 
Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3. 
This knowledge is the secret spring from which flows 
all power. . . . 

THE EDUCATION OF MOSES 

The education received by Moses, as the king's 
grandson, was very thorough. Nothing was neg- 
lected that would make him a wise man, as the 
Egyptians understood wisdom. But the most valu- 
able part of Moses' fitting for his life-work was that 
which he received as a shepherd. As he led his 
flocks through the wilds of the mountains and into 
the green pastures of the valleys, the God of nature 
taught him the highest wisdom. In the school of 
nature, with Christ as his teacher, he learned les- 
sons of humilit}^, meekness, faith, and trust, all of 
which bound his soul closer to God. In the solitude 



A Speedy Preparation 407 

of the mountains he learned that which all his in- 
struction in the king's palace was unable to inii);iit 
to him, — simple, unwaverino- faith, and a constant 
trust in the Lord. 

Moses had supposed that his education in the wis- 
dom of Egypt fully qualified him to lead Israel froni 
bondage. Was he not learned in all those things 
necessary for a general of armies? Had he not had 
the advantages of the best schools in the landf 
Yes, he felt that he was able to deliver his people. 
He set about his work by trying to gain their favor 
])y redressing their wrongs. He killed an Egyptian 
who was imposing upon one of the Israelites. In 
this he manifested the spirit of him who was a mur- 
derer from the beginning, and proved himself unfit 
to represent the God of mercy, love, and tenderness. 

Moses made a miserable failure of his first attempt ; 
and, like many another, he immediately lost confi- 
dence in God, and turned his back on his appointed 
work. He fled from the wrath of Pharaoh. He con- 
cluded that because of his great sin in taking the 
life of the Egyptian, God would not permit him to 
have any part in the work of delivering his people 
from their cruel bondage. But the Lord allowed these 
things that He might teach Moses the gentleness, 
goodness, and long-suffering that it is necessary for 
every laborer for the Master to possess in order to 
be a successful worker in His cause. . . . 

Moses had been taught to expect flattery and praise 
because of his superior abilities; now he was to 
learn a different lesson. As a shepherd of sheep, 
Moses learned to care for the afflicted, to nurse the 
sick, to seek patiently after the straying, to bear 



408 Counsels to Teachers 

long with the unruly, to supply with loving solici- 
tude the wants of the young lambs and the neces- 
sities of the old and feeble. In this experience he 
was drawn nearer to the Chief Shepherd. He be- 
came united to, submerged in, the Holy One of 
Israel. He believed in the great God. He held com- 
munion with the Father through humble prayer. 
He looked to the Highest for an education in spir- 
itual things, and for a knowledge of his duty as a 
faithful shepherd. His life l^ecame so closely linked 
witli h(-aven that God talked with him face to face, 
"as a man speaketh unto his friend." Ex. 33:11. 

Thus educated, Moses was prepared to heed the 
call of God to exchange his shepherd's crook for the 
rod of authority; to leave his flock of sheep to take 
the leadership of an idolatrous, rebellious people. 
But he was still to depend on the invisible Leader. 
As tlie rod was an instrument in his liand, so he was 
to be a willing instrument in the hand of Christ. 
He was to l)e the shepherd of God's people; and 
through his firm faith and al)iding trust in the 
Lord, many blessings wj^re to come to the children 
of Israel. . . . 

It was implicit faith in God that made Moses wliat 
he was. According to all that the Lord commanded 
him, so he did. All the learning of the wise men could 
not make ]Moses a channel through which the Lord 
could work, until he lost his self-confidence, realized 
his own helplessness, and put his trust in God; until 
he was willing to obey God's commands, whether they 
seemed to his human reason to be right or not. . . . 

It was not the teaching of the schools of Egypt tJiat 
enal)led JMoses to triumph over his enemies, but an 



.-1 Spfedy I'rt paration 409 

ever-al)idiug', nntiinching faith, a faith that did not 
fail under tlie most trying circumstances. At the 
command of God, ]\loses advanced, although appar- 
ently there was nothing ahead' for his feet to tread 
upon. ]\rore than a million people were depending 
on liim, and he led them forward step by step, day 
l)y day. God permitted these lonely travels through 
the wilderness that His people might obtain an ex- 
perience in enduring hardship, and that when they 
were in peril they might know that there was relief 
and deliverance in God alone. Thus they might learn 
to know and to trust God, and to serve Him with a 
living faith. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON 

God is not dependent upon men of perfect educa- 
tion. His work is not to wait while His servants go 
through such lengthy, elaborate preparations as some 
of our schools are planning to give. He wants men 
who appreciate the privilege of l)eing laborers together 
with Him, — men who will honor Him hy rendering 
implicit obedience to His requirements, regardless of 
previously inculcated theories. There is no limit to 
the usefulness of those who put self to one side, make 
room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon their 
hearts, and live lives wholh^ consecrated to God, en- 
during the necessary discipline imposed l)y the Lord 
without complaining or fainting ])y the way. If they 
will not faint at the rebuke of the Lord, and become 
hard-hearted and stubborn, the Lord will teach both 
old and young, hour ])y hour, day hy day. He longs 
to reveal His salvation to the children of men; and 
if His chosen people will remove the o])structions, He 



410 Counsels to Teachers 

will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant 
streams through human channels. 

Many who are seeking efficiency for the exalted 
work of God by perfecting their education in the 
schools of men, will find that they have failed of 
learning the more important lessons. By neglecting 
to submit themselves to the impressions of the Holy 
Spirit, by not living in obedience to all G od 's require- 
ments, their spiritual efficiency has become weakened ; 
they have lost what ability they had to do successful 
work for the Lord. Absenting themselves from the 
school of Christ, they have forgotten the sound of the 
Teacher's voice, and He cannot direct their course. 

Men may acquire all the knowledge possible to be 
imparted by the human teacher; but God requires 
of them still greater wisdom. Like Moses, they must 
learn meekness, lowliness of heart, and distrust of 
self. Our Saviour Himself, when bearing the test 
for humanity, acknowledged that of Himself He could 
do nothing. We also must learn that there is no 
strength in humanity alone. Man becomes efficient 
only by becoming partaker of the divine nature. 

god's guidance to be sought 

From the first opening of a book, the student should 
recognize God as the one who imparts true wisdom. 
He should seek divine counsel at every step. No ar- 
rangement should be made to which God cannot be 
a party, no union formed of which He cannot approve. 
From first to last, the Author of wisdom should be 
recognized as the guide. Thus the knowledge obtained 
from books will be bound off by living faith in the 
infinite God. The student should not permit himself 



A speedy Preparafion 411 

to be bound down to any particular course of study 
involving long periods of time. l)nt should )>e guided 
in such matters by the Spirit of God. . . . 

None should be allowed to pursue a course of study 
that will weaken tiieir faitli in the truth or in the 
Lord's i)ower, or diminish their respect for a life of 
holiness. I would warn the students not to advance 
one step in these lines, not even upon the advice ol' 
their instructors or men in positions of authority, un- 
less they have first sought God individually, with their 
hearts thrown open to the influeuces of the Holy 
Spirit, and have obtained His counsel concerning the 
contemplated course of study. Let every unholy 
ambition be blotted out. Let every selfish desire to 
distinguish yourselves be set aside; let every sugges- 
tion from humanity be taken to God, and trust in 
the guidance of His Spirit. . . . 

Do not commit yourselves to the keeping of men, 
but say, "The Lord is my helper; I will seek His 
counsel; I will be a doer of His will." All the 
advantages you maj^ have cannot be a blessing to 
you, neither can the highest education qualify you to 
become a channel of light, unless you have the co- 
operation of the divine Spirit. It is as impossible for 
us to receive qualifications from men, without the di- 
vine enlightenment, as it was for the gods of Egypt 
to deliver those who trusted in them. 

Students must not suppose that every' suggestion 
for them to prolong their studies is in harmony with 
God's plan. Take every such suggestion to the Lord 
in prayer, and seek His guidance, not once only, but 
again and again. Plead with Him until you are con- 
vinced whether the counsel is of God or man. . . . 



412 Counsels to Teachers 

The Lord says, "Watch and pray, that ye enter 
not into temptation. ' ' Matt. 26 : 41. " Watch, ' ' lest 
your studies accumulate to such proportions and be- 
come of such absorbing interest to you, that your 
mind is overburdened, and the desire for godliness 
is crushed out of your soul. With many students the 
motive and aim which caused them to enter school 
have gradually been lost sight of, and an unholy am- 
bition to secure a high-class education has led tliem 
to sacrifice the truth. Their intense interest to se- 
cure a high place among men has caused them to 
leave the will of their heavenly Father out of their 
calculations ; but true knowledge leads to holiness of 
life through sanctification of the truth. 

Too often, as the studies accumulate, the wisdom 
from above has been given a secondary place, and the 
farther the student advances, the less confidence he 
has in God. He looks upon much learning as the very 
essence of success in life; but if all would give due 
consideration to the statement of Christ, "Without 
i\[e ye can do nothing" (John 15:5), they would 
make different plans. Without the vital principles of 
true religion, without the knowledge of how to serve 
and glorify the Redeemer, education is more harmful 
than beneficial. When education in human lines is 
pushed to such an extent that the love of God wanes 
in the heart, that prayer is neglected, and that there 
is a failure' to cultivate the spiritual attrijjutes, it is 
wholly disastrous. It would be far better to cease 
seeking to obtain an education, and to recover your 
soul from its languishing condition, than to gain 
the best of educations, and lose sight of eternal ad- 
vantages. . . . 



A Sprcdij Prrpnraiio)! 413 

I would not in any case counsel restriction of the 
education to which God has set no limit. Our educa- 
tion does not end with the advantages that this world 
can give. Through all eternity the chosen of God will 
he learners. But I would advise restriction in follow- 
ing those methods of education which imperil the soul 
and defeat the purpose for which time and money are 
spent. Education is a grand life-work; but to o])tain 
true education it is necessary to possess that wisdom 
which comes from God alone. The Lord God should 
l)e represented in every phase of education ; but it is 
a mistake to devote years to the study of one line of 
])Ook knowledge. After a period of time has been 
devoted to study, let no one advise students to enter 
immediately upon another extended line of study, but 
rather advise them to enter upon the work for which 
they have been preparing. Let them be encouraged 
to put into use the education already obtained. . . . 

The minds of many need to be renewed, trans- 
formed, and moulded after God's plan. IMany are 
ruining themselves physically, mentally, and morally, 
by overdevotion to study. They are defrauding them- 
selves for time and for eternity through practising 
habits of intemperance in seeking to gain an educa- 
tion. They are losing their desire to learn in the 
school of Christ, lessons of meekness and lowliness 
of heart. . . . 

IN VIEW OF CHRIST ^S NEAR RETURN 

The thought to be kept before students is that time 
is short, and that they must make speedy preparation 
for doing the work that is essential for this time. . . . 
I am bidden to say to you that you know not how 



414 Counsels to Teachers 

sooii the crisis will come. It is stealing gradually 
upon ns, as a thief. The sun shines in tlie lieavens, 
passing over its usual round, and the lieavens still 
declare the glory of God; men are pursuing their 
usual course of eating and drinking, planting and 
])ui]ding, marrying and giving in marriage; merchants 
are still engaged in ])uying and selling; publications 
are still issuing one upon another; men are jostling 
one against another, seeking to get the highest place ; 
pleasure lovers are still attending theaters, lioi'se- 
j'aces, gambling hells, and the highest excitement pre- 
vails; but probation's hour is fast closing, and every 
case is about to be eternally decided. There are few 
who believe with heart and soul that we have a heaven 
to win and a hell to shun; but these show their faith 
})y their works. 

The signs of Christ's coming are fast fulfilling. 
Satan sees that he has but a short time in which to 
work, and he has set his agencies to work to stir up 
the elements of the world, that men may be deceived, 
deluded, and kept occupied and entranced until the 
day of probation shall be ended, and the door of 
mercy be forever shut. 

The kingdoms of this world have not yet become 
the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Do not 
deceive yourselves ; be: wide awake, and move rapidly ; 
for the night cometh, in which no man can work. Do 
not encourage students who come to you burdened 
with the work of saving their fellow-men, to enter 
upon course after course of study. Do not lengthen 
out to nmuy years the time for obtaining an education. 
By so doing you give them the impi'ession that there 



A Speedy Preparation 415 

is time enough, and this very plan proves a snare to 
their souls. 

Many are better prepared, have more spiritual dis- 
crimination and knowledge of God, and know more 
of His requirements, when they enter upon their course 
of study than when they are graduated. They be- 
come inspired with an ambition to become learned 
men, and are encouraged to add to their studies un- 
til they become infatuated. They make their books 
their idol, and are willing to sacrifice health and 
spirituality in order to obtain an education. They 
limit the time which they ghould devote to prayer, 
and fail to improve the opportunities which they 
have to do good. They fail to put to use the knowl- 
edge which they have already obtained, and do not 
advance in the science of winning souls. Mission- 
ary work becomes less and less desirable, while the 
passion to excel in book knowledge increases ab- 
normally. In pursuing their studies they separate 
from the God of wisdom. Some congratulate them 
on their advancement, and encourage them to take 
degree after degree. . . . 

The question was asked, "Do you believe the truth? 
do you believe the third angel 's message ? If you do 
believe, then act your faith. "... Probationary time 
will not permit of long-protracted years of drill. God 
calls; hear His voice as He says, "Go work to-day in 
My vineyard." Matt. 21: 28. Now, just now, is the 
time to work. . . . 

"The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in 
the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet." 
Nahum 1:3. that men might understand the pa- 
tience and long-suffering of God! He is putting 



4-16 Cou)isels to Teachers 

under restraint His own attributes. His omnipotent 
power is under the control of Omnipotence. that 
men would understand that God refuses to be wearied 
out with the world's perversity, and still holds out 
the hope of forgiveness even to the most undeserv- 
ing! But His forbearance will not always continue. 
Who is prepared for the sudden change that will take 
place in God's dealing with sinful men? Who will 
be prepared to escape the punishment that wiU cer- 
tainly fall u])on transgressors? . . . 

There is a large work to be done, and tlie vineyard 
of the Lord needs laborers. IVIissionaries should enter 
the field before they are compelled to cease labor. 
There are now open doors on every side ; students 
cannot aiford to wait to complete years of training; 
for the years before us are not many, and we need 
to work while the day lasts. . . . 

Understand tliat I say nothing in these words to 
depreciate education, but I speak to warn those who 
are in danger of carrying that which is lawful to un- 
lawful extremes, and of making altogether too much 
of human education. Rather insist upon the develop- 
ment of a (.'hristian experience, for Avithout this the 
education of the student will be of no avail. 

If you see that students are in danger of becoming 
engrossed in their studies to such an extent as to 
neglect the study of that Book which gives them in- 
formation as to how to secure the future welfare of 
their souls, then do not present the temptation of 
going deeper, of protracting the time for educational 
discipline. In this way all that will make the stu- 
dent's education of value to the world will be sunk 
out of sight. . . . 



A Speedy Preparation 417 

As long as time shall last, we shall have need of 
schools. There will always be need of education; but 
we must be careful lest education absorb every spir- 
itual interest. There is positive peril in advising 
students to pursue one line of education after another, 
and in leading them to think that by so doing they 
will attain perfection. The education thus obtained 
will prove to be deficient in every way. The Lord 
says : " I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will 
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the 
disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish 
the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wis- 
dom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it 
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save 
them that believe." 1 Cor. 1:19-21. . . . 

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyp- 
tians. In the providence of God he received a broad 
education; but a large part of that education had to 
be unlearned and accounted as foolishness. Its im- 
pression had to be blotted out by forty years of expe- 
rience in caring for the sheep and the tender lambs. 
If many who are connected with the work of the Lord 
could be isolated as was Moses, and could be compelled 
by circumstances to follow some humble vocation until 
their hearts became tender, . . . they would not be 
so prone to magnify their own abilities, or seek to 
demonstrate that the wisdom of an advanced educa- 
tion could take the place of a sound knowledge of 
God. . . . 

The disciples of Christ are not called upon to 
magnify men, but to magnify God, the source of all 
wisdom. Let educators give the Holy Spirit room 

27 — Counsels • 



418 Counsels to Teachers 

to do its work upon human hearts. The greatest 
Teacher is represented in the midst of us by the Holy 
Spirit. However you may study, though you may 
reach higher and still higher, and occupy every mo- 
ment of your probationary time in the pursuit of 
knowledge, you will not become complete. When 
time is over, you would have to ask yourselves the 
question. What good have I done to those who are 
in midnight darkness? To whom have I communi- 
cated the knowledge of God, or even the knowledge 
of those things for which I liave spent so much time 
and money? 

It will soon be said in lieaven, ''It is done." ''He 
that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is 
filthy, let him be filthy still : and he that is righteous, 
let him be righteous still : and he that is holy, let him 
be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My 
reward is with Me, to give every man according as 
his work shall be." Rev. 22 : 11, 12. When this fiat 
goes forth, every case will have been decided. 

Far better would it be for laborers to take less work, 
and go about it slowly and humbly, wearing the yoke 
of Christ and bearing His burdens, than to devote 
years to preparation for a large work, and then fail 
to bring sons and daughters to God, fail to have 
any trophies to lay at the feet of Jesus. . . . 

How many who know the truth for this time are 
working in harmony with its principles? It is true 
that something is being done; but more, far more, 
should have been done. The work is accumulating, 
and the time for doing it is diminishing. All should 
now be burning and shining lights, and yet many are 
failing to keep their lamps supplied with the oil of 



.1 Speedy Preparation 419 

grace, trimmed and burning, so that light may gleam 
out to-day. Too many are counting on a long stretch 
of to-morrow; but this is a mistake. Let every one 
be educated in such a Avay as to show the importance 
of the special work for to-day. Let every one labor 
for God and for souls; let each show wisdom, and 
never be found in idleness, waiting for some one to 
set him to work. The "some one" who could set you 
to work is overcrowded with responsibilities, and time 
is lost in waiting for his directions. God will give you 
wisdom in reforming at once ; for the call is still made, 
''Son, go work to-day in My vineyard." "To-day if 
ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. ' ' Heb. 
8 : 7, 8. The Lord prefaces the requirement with the 
endearing word "son." How tender, how compas- 
sionate, yet withal, how urgent ! His invitation is also 
a command. — ^'Special Testimonies on Eelucation/' 
pp. 108-146; written March 21, 1895, to the teachers 
in the Samtarium and College at Battle Creek, Mich. 



-<i>- 



To know oneself is great knowledge. True self- 
knowledge leads to a humility that will open the way 
for the Lord to develop the mind, and mould and 
discipline the character. No teacher can do acceptable 
work who does not bear in mind his own deficiencies, 
and does not put aside all plans that would weaken 
spiritual life. When teachers are willing to lay aside 
that which is unessential for the life eternal, then it 
can be said that they are working out their own sal- 
vation with fear and trembling, and that they are 
building wisely for eternity. 



420 



Counsels to Teacher, 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



The False and the True 
IN Education 



M. of H., pp. 427-450. 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 255-289. 



To Teachers and Students Test. Vol. 6, pp. 162-167. 



A Speedy Preparation 
FOR Work 



M. of H., pp. 474, 475. 
Test. Vol. 3, pp. 223, 224 

(using knowledge gained). 
Test. Vol. 5, p. 22 

(long courses). 



THE BIBLE IN EDUCATION 



• The words of Jehovah are pure 
words; as silver tried in a fur- 
nace on the earth, purified seven 
times. ' ' 



GOD'S WORD A TREASURE-HOUSE 

Tlie Bible is of the highest value because it is the 
word of the living God. Of all the books in tlie 
world, it is the most deserving of study and atten- 
tion; for it is eternal wisdom. The Bible is a his- 
tory that tells us of the creation of the world, and 
opens to us past centuries. Without it we should 
have been left to conjecture and fable in regard to 
the occurrences of the remote past. It reveals to us 
the Creator of the heavens and the earth, with the 
universe that He has brought into being; and it 
sheds a glorious light over the world to come. 

The Bible is a field where are concealed heavenly 
treasures, and they will remain hidden until, by dili- 
gent mining, they are discovered and brought to light. 
The Bible is a casket containing jewels of inestimable 
value, which should be so presented as to be seen in 
their intrinsic luster. But the beaut}^ and excellence 
of these diamonds of truth are not discerned by the 
natural eye. The lovely things of the material world 
are not seen until the sun, dispelling the darkness, 
floods them with its light. And so with the treasures 
of God's word; they are not appreciated until they 
are revealed l^y the Sun of Righteousness. 

[421] 



422 Counsels to Teachers 

The Bible contains a simple and complete system of 
theology and philosophy. It is the book that makes lis 
wise unto salvation. It tells us of the love of God as 
shown in the plan of redemption, imparting the knowl- 
edge essential for all students — the knowledge of 
Christ. ... 

God has not only revealed to us the doctrine of the 
atonement, holding out the hope of eternal life, but 
His words are the manna from heaven for the soul to 
feed upon and receive spiritual strength. The Bible 
is the great standard of right and wrong, clearly de- 
fining sin and holiness. Its living principles, running 
through our lives like threads of gold, are our only 
safeguard in trial and temptation. 

The Holy Scriptures were the essential study in tlie 
schools of the prophets, and they should hold the first 
place in every educational system ; for the foundation 
of all right education is a knowledge of God. Used 
as a text-book in our schools, the Bible will do for 
mind and morals what cannot be done by books of 
science and philosophy. As a book to discipline and 
strengthen the intellect, to ennoble, purify, and refine 
the character, it is without a rival. 

God cares for us as intelligent beings, and He has 
given us His word as a lamp to our feet and a light 
to our path. Its teachings have a vital bearing upon 
our prosperity in all the relations of life. Even in 
our temporal affairs it will be a wiser guide than any 
other counselor. Its divine instruction points the 
only way to true success. There is no social position, 
no phase of human experience, for which the study of 
the Bible is not an essential preparation. 



(rod's Word a Treasure-House 423 

FINITE WISDOM 

But the mere reading of the word will not accom- 
plish the result designed of heaven : it must be studied, 
and cherished in the heart. The Bible has not received 
the close attention it deserves. It has not been honored 
above every other book in the education of children 
and youth. Students devote years to acquiring an 
education. They stud}^ different authors, and become 
acquainted with science and philosophy through books 
containing the results of human research; but the 
Book that comes from the divine Teacher has, to a 
great extent, been neglected. Its value is not dis- 
cerned; its treasures remain hidden. 

An education of this character is defective. Who 
and what are these men of learning, that the minds 
and characters of the young should be moulded by 
their ideas? They may publish with pen and voice 
the best results of their reasoning; but they grasp 
only an item of the work of God, and in their short- 
sightedness, calling it science, they exalt it above the 
God of science. 

Man is finite ; there is no light in his wisdom. His 
unaided reason can explain nothing in the deep things 
of God, nor can he understand the spiritual lessons 
that God has placed in the material world. But rea- 
son is a gift of God, and His Spirit will aid those who 
are willing to be taught. Man's words, if of any 
value, echo the words of God. In the education of 
youth they should never take the place of the divine 
word. 

Cold, philosophical speculations and scientific re- 
search in which God is not acknowledged, are a posi- 



424 Counsels to Teachers 

tive injury. And the evil is aggravated when, as is 
often the case, books placed in the hands of the 
young, accepted as authority and depended upon in 
their education, are from authors avowedly infidel. 
Through all the thoughts presented by these men 
their poisonous sentiments are interwoven. The study 
of such books is like handling black coals; a student 
cannot be undefiled in mind who thinks along the 
line of skepticism. 

The authors of these books, which have sown the 
seeds of doubt and infidelity broadcast over the world, 
have been under the training of the great enemy of 
God and man, the acknowledged head of principali- 
ties and powers, the ruler of the darkness of this 
world. The word that God has spoken concerning 
them is, "They . . . became vain in their imagina- 
tions, and their foolish heart was darkened. Pro- 
fessing themselves to be wise, they became fools;" 
"because that, when they knew God, they glorified 
Him not as God, neither were thankful." Rom. 
1 : 21, 22. They rejected divine truth in its sim- 
plicity and purity for the wisdom of this world. 

Whenever books by these infidel authors are given 
the precedence, and the word of God is made second- 
ary, there will be sent out of the schools a class of 
students no better fitted for the service of God than 
they were l)efore they received their education. 

CAUSE OF OPPOSITION TO THE BIBLE 

It is not for want of evidence that men doubt divine 
truth; they are not infidels through ignorance of the 
character of the word of God. But through sin the 
whole human organism is deranged, the mind is per- 



God^s 'Wonl a Treasure-Bouse 425 

verted, the iiuaoinatiou corrupted. Temptations from 
without find an answering chord within the heart, 
and tlie feet slide imperceptibly into sin. And so 
it is that many hate the Bihle. Some would not care 
if there were not a Bihle in the world. 

When the Son of God was on trial, the Jews cried 
out, ''Away with Him, crucify Him!" because His 
pure life and holy teaching convicted them of sin and 
condemned them ; and for the same reason, many in 
their hearts cry out against the word of God. IMany, 
even of the children and youth, have learned to love 
sin. They hate reflection, and the thought of God is 
a sting to their conscience. It is because the human 
heart is inclined to evil that it is so dangerous to sow 
the seeds of skepticism in young minds. 

SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE 

We would not discourage education, nor put a low 
estimate on mental culture and discipline. God would 
have us students as long as we remain in the world. 
Every opportunity for culture should be improved. 
The faculties need to be strengthened by exercise, the 
mind to be trained and expanded by taxing study; 
but all this may be done while the heart is becoming 
an easy prey to deception. Wisdom from above must 
be communicated to the soul. It is the entrance of 
God's word that "giveth light; it giveth understand- 
ing unto the simple." Ps. 119:130. His word is 
given for our instruction ; there is nothing in it that 
is defective or misleading. The Bible is not to be 
tested by men's ideas of science, but science is to be 
brought to the test of the unerring standard. 



426 Counsels to Teachers 

Yet the study of the sciences is not to be neglected. 
Books must be used for this purpose ; but they should 
be in harmony with the Bible, for that is the standard. 
Books of this character should take the place of many 
of those now in the hands of students. 

God is the author of science. Scienti'fic research 
opens to the mind vast fields of thought and informa- 
tion, enabling us to see God in His created works. 
Ignorance may try to support skepticism by appeal- 
ing to science; but instead of upholding skepticism, 
true science contributes fresh evidences of the wis- 
dom and power of God. Rightly understood, science 
and the written w^ord agree, and each sheds light on 
the other. Together they lead us to God, by teach- 
ing us something of the wise and beneficent laws 
through which He works. 

When the student recognizes God as the source of 
all knowledge, and honors Him, submitting i^ind and 
character to be moulded by His word, he may claim 
the promise, "Them that honor Me I will honor." 
1 Sam. 2 : 30. The more studiously the intellect is 
cultivated, the more effectively it can be used in the 
service of God, if it is placed under the control of His 
Spirit. Talents used are talents multiplied. Experi- 
ence in spiritual things widens the vision of saints 
and angels, and both increase in capability and 
knowledge as they work in their respective spheres. 

''0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and 
knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judg- 
ments, and His ways past finding out !" Rom. 11 : 33. 
— ^'Special Testimonies on Education," pp. 52-57; 
ivritten May 16, 1896. 



THE BOOK OF BOOKS 

Wliat book can compare with the Bible? An un- 
derstanding of its teachings is essential for every 
chihl and youth, and for those of mature age; for 
it is the word of God, given to guide the human fam- 
ily to heaven. In the worhl to-day there are gods 
many and doctrines many. Without an understand- 
ing of the Scriptures it is impossil)le for the youth 
to understand what is truth, or to discern betw^een 
the sacred and the common. 

The word of God should stand as the highest edu- 
cating book in our world, and should be treated with 
reverential awe. It should ])e placed in the hands of 
the children and youth as the great lesson-book, that 
they may know Him whom to know aright is life 
eternal. 

HISTORY IN THE BIBLE 

The grand truths of sacred history possess amazing 
strength and beauty, and are as far-reaching as eter- 
nity. What more important knowledge can be gained 
than that which outlines the fall of man, and the con- 
sequences of that sin which opened the flood-gates of 
woe upon the world; which tells of Christ's first 
advent ? The incarnation of Christ, His divinity, His 
atonement. His wonderful life in heaven as our advo- 
cate, the office of the Holy Spirit, — all these vital 
themes of Christianity are revealed from Genesis to 
Revelation. Each is a golden link in the perfect 
chain of truth. Why, then, should not the Scrip- 
tures be exalted in every school in our land? 

[427] 



428 Counsels to Teachers 

Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyp- 
tians, yet he said to Israel, ''Behold, I have taught 
you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God 
commanded me, that ye should do so in the land 
whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do 
them ; for this is your wisdom and your understand- 
ing in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all 
these statutes, and say, Surel}^ this great nation is a 
wise and understanding people. For . . . what na- 
tion is there so great, that hath statutes and judg- 
ments so righteous as all this law, which I set before 
you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep 
thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which 
thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy 
heart all the days of thy life : but teach them thy 
sons, and thy sons' sons." Deut. 4:5-9. 

Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and 
just than are exhibited on the statute-books wherein 
is recorded the instruction given to Moses for the 
children of Israel? From what other source can we 
gather such strength or learn such noble science? 
What other book will teach men so well how to love, 
fear, and obey God? What other book presents to 
students more ennobling science, more wonderful his- 
tory? It clearly portrays righteousness, and fore- 
tells the consequence of disloyalty to the law of 
Jehovah. 

THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE 

As an educating power, the Bible is of more value 
than the writings of all the philosophers of all ages. 
In its wide range of style and subjects, there is some- 
thing to interest and instruct every mind, to ennol)le 



The Book of Books 429 

every interest. The light of revelation shines un- 
dimmed into the distant past, where human annals 
cast not a ray of light. There is poetry which has 
called forth the wonder and admiration of the world. 
In glowing l)eanty, in sublime and solemn majesty, in 
touching pathos, it is unequaled by the most brilliant 
productions of human genius. There is sound logic 
and impassioned eloquence. There are portrayed the 
nol)le deeds of noble men, examples of private virtue 
and public honor, lessons of piety and purity. 

A MORAL POWER 

In studying the Scriptures we become acquainted 
with God, and are led to understand our relation to 
Christ, the sin-bearer, the surety for the fallen race. 
No one is left in darkness as to that which God ap- 
proves or disapproves. 

The Bible contains instruction regarding the char- 
acter God's children must possess. "Blessed are the 
pure in heart, ' ' it declares ; ' ' for they shall see God. ' ' 
Matt. 5 : 8. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, 
without which no man shall see the Lord." Heb. 
12:14. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and 
it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know 
that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; 
for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that 
hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He 
is pure." 1 John 3:2, 3. 

This all-important knowledge should be kept before 
our children and youth, not in an arbitrary, dicta- 
torial manner, but as a divine disclosure, as instruc- 
tion of the highest value, essential for their present 
peace in this world of turmoil and strife, and as a 



430 Counsels to Teachers 

preparation for the future eternal life in the king- 
dom of God. Then place the Holy Word in their 
hands. Encourage them to search its pages. They 
will find there treasures of inestimable value. And 
in receiving Christ as the bread of life, they have the 
pledge of eternal life. 

Christ's sayings are pure gold, without one particle 
of dross. When those who have received the false in- 
terpretation of the word, searcli the Scriptures with 
determined effort to knoAV what is truth, the Holy 
Spirit opens the eyes of their understanding, and the 
word is to them a new revelation. Their hearts are 
quickened with a new^ and living faith, and they be- 
hold wondrous things out of His law. The teachings 
of Christ have a breadth and meaning to them that 
tliey have never before understood. 

The youth are in need of educators who will keep 
the principles of the w^ord of God ever before them. 
If teachers will make Bible precepts their text-book, 
they will have greater influence over the youth. They 
will be learners, having a living connection wdth God. 
They will endeavor to inculcate ideas and principles 
that will lead to a fuller knowledge of God, an ear- 
nest, growing faith in the blood of Christ, and in the 
power and efficiency of His grace to keep them from 
falling. They will constantly seek to build up the 
strongholds of a healthy, well-balanced Christian ex- 
perience, that their students may be qualified for use- 
fulness. 



THE BIBLE TEACHER 

The best ministerial talent should be employed to 
lead and direct in the teaching of the Bible in our 
schools. Those chosen for this work need to be thor- 
ough Bible students; they should be men who have a 
deep Christian experience ; and their salary should b(^ 
paid from the tithe. 

The Bible teacher should be one who is able to teach 
the students how^ to present the truths of the word of 
God in a clear, winning manner in public, and how 
to do effective evangelistic work from house to house. 
It is essential that he be skilful in teaching those who 
have a desire to work for the Master, how to use wisely 
that which they have learned. He should instruct the 
students to approach the study of the Bible in the 
spirit of humility, to search its pages, not for proof 
to sustain human opinions, but with a sincere desire 
to know what God has said. 

Early in their experience our students should be 
taught to become Bible workers. Those who are con- 
secrated and teachable may have success in active 
service for Christ while pursuing their courses of 
study. If they spend much time in prayer, if they 
humbly take counsel from their instructors, they will 
grow in a knowledge of how to work for souls. And 
when they go forth into the great harvest-field, they 
may with confidence pray, ''Let the beauty of the 
Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the 
work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our 
hands establish Thou it." Ps. 90:17. 

[431] 



432 Counsels to Teachers 

In our schools the work of teaching the Scriptures 
to the youth is not to be left wholly with one teacher 
for a long series of years. The Bible teacher may be 
well able to present the truth, and yet it is not the 
best experience for the students, that their study of 
the word of God should be directed by one man 
only, term after term and year after year. Different 
teachers should have a part in the work, even though 
they may not all have so full an understanding of 
the Scriptures. If several in our larger schools unite 
in the work of teaching the Scriptures, the students 
may thus have the benefit of the talents of several. 

Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a 
John, a Paul, and all the writers who have borne 
testimony in regard to the life and ministry of the 
Saviour? Why could not one of the disciples have 
written a complete record, and thus have given us 
a connected account of Christ's earthly life? Why 
does one writer bring in points that another does 
not mention? Why, if these points are essential, did 
not all these writers mention them ? — It is because 
the minds of men differ. Not all comprehend things 
in exactly the same way. Certain Scripture truths 
appeal much more strongly to the minds of some than 
of others. 

The same principle applies to speakers. One dwells 
at considerable length on points that others would pass 
by quickly or not mention at all. The whole truth 
is presented more clearly by several than by one. 
The Gospels differ, but the records of all blend in 
one harmonious whole. 

So to-day the Lord does not impress all minds in 
the same way. Often through unusual experiences, 



The Bible Teaeher 433 

under special circumstances, He gives to some Bible 
students views of truth that others do not grasp. It 
is possible for the most learned teacher to fall far 
short of teaching all that should be taught. 

It would greatly benefit our schools if regular 
meetings were held frequently in which all the 
teachers could unite in the study of the word of God. 
They should search the Scriptures as did the noble 
Bereans. They should subordinate all preconceived 
opinions, and taking the Bible as their lesson-book, 
comparing scripture Avith scripture, they should learn 
what to teach their students, and how to train them 
for acceptable service. 

The teacher's success will depend largely upon the 
spirit which is brought into the work. A profession 
of faith does not make men Christians ; but if teachers 
will open their hearts to the study of the word, they 
will be able to aid their students to a clearer under- 
standing. Let not the spirit of controversy come in, 
but let each seek earnestly for the light and knowdedge 
that he needs. 

God 's word is true philosophy, true science. Human 
opinions and sensational preaching amount to very 
little. Those who are imbued with the word of God, 
will teach it in the same simple way that Christ taught 
it. The world's greatest Teacher used the simplest 
language and the plainest symbols. 

The Lord calls upon His shepherds to feed the flock 
with pure provender. He w^ould have them present 
the truth in its simplicity. When this w^ork is faith- 
fully done, many will be convicted and converted by 
the power of the Holy Spirit. There is need of Bible 
teachers who wdll come close to the unconverted, wdio 

28 — Counsels 



434 Counsels to Teachers 

will search for the lost sheep, who will do personal 
labor, and will give clear, definite instruction. 

Never utter sentiments of doubt. Christ 's teaching 
was always positive in its nature. "With a tone of 
assurance bear an affirmative message. Lift up the 
Man of Calvary higher and still higher; there is 
power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ. 

It is the student's privilege to have clear and ac- 
curate ideas of the truth of the Word, that he may be 
prepared to present these truths to other minds. lie 
should be rooted and grounded in the faith. Students 
should be led to think for themselves, to see the force 
of truth for themselves, and to speak every word from 
a heart full of love and tenderness. Urge upon their 
minds the vital truths of the Bible. Let tliem repeat 
these trutlis in their own language, that you may be 
sure that they clearly comprehend them. Be sure 
that every point is fastened upon the mind. This may 
be a slow process, but it is of ten times more value 
than rushing over important subjects without giving 
them due consideration. It is not enough that the 
student believe the truth for himself. He must be 
drawn out to state this truth clearly in his own 
words, that it may be evident that he sees the force 
of the lesson and makes its application. 

In all your teaching never forget that the greatest 
lesson to be taught and to be learned is the lesson of 
copartnership with Christ in the work of salvation. 
The education to be secured by searching the Scrip- 
tures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of 
salvation. Such an education will restore the image 
of God in the soul. It will strengthen and fortify the 
mind against temptation, and fit the learner to become 



The Bible Teacher 435 

a worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the 
world. It will make him a member of the heavenly 
family, prepare him to share the inheritance of the 
saints in light. 

The teacher of truth can impart effectively only 
that Avhich he himself knows by experience. Christ 
taught the truth because He was the truth. His own 
thought, His character, His life experience, were em- 
bodied in His teaching. So with His servants: those 
who teach the Word must make it their own by per- 
sonal experience. They must know what it is to have 
Christ made unto them wisdom and righteousness 
and sanctification and redemption. Every minister of 
Christ and every teacher should be able to say with 
the beloved John, ''The life was manifested, and we 
have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that 
eternal life, which was with the Father, and w^as mani- 
fested unto us. " 1 John 1 : 2. 

Often it will seem to the teacher that the word of 
God has little effect on the minds and hearts of many 
students; but if his work has been wrought in God, 
some lessons of divine truth will linger in the memory 
of the most careless. The Holy Spirit will water the 
seed sown, and it will spring up after many days, and 
bear fruit to the glory of God. 

SIMPLICITY IN TEACHING 

Teachers may learn a lesson from the experience of 
the farmer who placed the food for his sheep in a crib 
so high that the young of the flock could not reach it. 
Some teachers present the truth to their students in a 
similar manner. They place the crib so high that those 
whom they teach cannot reach the food. They forget 



436 Counsels to Teachers 

that the students have only a small part of the oppor- 
tunity that they have had to gain a knowledge of God. 
They are too high up on the ladder to reach down a 
helping hand, warm with tenderness and love, and 
deep, earnest interest. Let them step down, and by 
their manner say to the students : 

"I will no longer stand so far above you. Let us 
climb together, and we will see what can be gained by 
a united study of the Scriptures. Christ is the one 
who imparts all knowledge. Let us work together in 
an earnest effort to learn from God how to understand 
the truths of His w^ord, and how to place these 
truths before others in their beauty and simplicity. 

''Let us study together. I have nothing that you 
cannot receive if you open your mind to Christ's 
teachings. The Bible is your guide-book and my 
guide-book. By asking questions you may suggest 
ideas that are new to me. Various ways of express- 
ing the truth we are studying will bring light into 
our class. If any explanation of the Word differs 
from your previous understanding, do not hesitate 
to state your views of the subject. Light will shine 
upon us as in the meekness and lowliness of Christ 
we study together." 

This is the way in which the schools of the proph- 
ets were conducted. Time was given in the class 
for a faithful study of the thoughts presented. 
Hearts were warmed, and the voice of praise and 
thanksgiving was heard. The sacred gospel was 
humanized, as in the teachings of Christ. Much was 
accomplished for both teachers and students. Time 
was given for each one to partake of the heavenly 



The Bible Teacher 437 

repast, — to study the truths presented, and then to 
add that wliieh he had received from God. 

When the right spirit is cherished by teachers and 
students, tliey will have special grace from God, 
enough for each, enough for all, enough continually 
and forever. As the teacher learns from the divine 
Teacher, the Bible becomes a lesson-book such as 
God designed it to be, giving clear conceptions to 
those who strive to grasp its grand and glorious 
truths. As the students search for truth as for hid- 
den treasure, their minds are enriched with the 
highest of all knowledge. There is shed into the 
mind a flood of light on the problem of human life. 
They see how it is possil)le for men and women to 
be sanctified through a belief of the truth as it is 
in Jesus. 

® 



The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of 
revelation; but they have been buried beneath human 
traditions, beneath the sayings and commandments 
of men; and the wisdom from heaven has been prac- 
tically ignored. Satan has succeeded in making the 
world believe that the words and achievements of men 
are of great consequence. There are veins of truth 
yet to be discovered; but spiritual things are spir- 
itually discerned. One passage of Scripture will 
prove a key to unlock other passages, and in this 
way light is shed upon the hidden meaning of the 
word. By comparing different texts treating on the 
same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, 
the true meaning of the Scriptures will be made 
evident. 



A FAILURE TO STUDY GOD'S WORD 

That which in the counsels of heaven the Father 
and the Son deemed essential for man's salvation, is 
clearly presented in the Holy Scriptures. The in- 
finite truths of salvation are stated so plainly that 
finite beings who desire to know the truth cannot 
fail to understand. Divine revelations have been 
made for their instruction in rigliteousness, that they 
may glorify God and help their fellow-men. 

These truths are found in the word of God, — the 
standard by which we are to judge loetween right and 
wrong. Obedience to this word is the best shield for 
the youth against the temptations to which they are 
exposed while acquiring an education. From this 
word they learn how to lionor God, and how to be 
faithful to humanity, cheerfully performing the duties 
and meeting the trials that each day brings, and 
courageously bearing its burdens. 

Christ, the great Teacher, sought to win the minds 
of men from the contemplation of earthly things, that 
He might teach them of heavenly things. Had the 
teachers of His day been willing to be instructed by 
Him, had they united with Him in sowing the world 
with the seeds of truth, the world would be far dif- 
ferent from what it now is. Had the scribes and 
Pharisees joined their forces with the Saviour, the 
knowledge of Christ would have restored the moral 
image of God in their souls. 

But the leaders of Israel turned from the fountain 
of true knowledge. They studied the Scriptures only 
[438] 



Failure to Study God's Word 439 

to sustain their traditions and enforce their man- 
made observances. By their interpretation they made 
them express sentiments that God had never given. 
Their mystical construction made indistinct that 
which He had made plain. They disputed over 
technicalities, and practically denied the most essen- 
tial truths. God's word was robbed of its power, and 
evil spirits worked their will. 

Christ's words contain nothing that is non-essential. 
The sermon on the mount is a wonderful production, 
yet so simple that a child can study it without mis- 
understanding. The mount of beatitudes is a symbol 
of the spiritual elevation on which Christ ever stood. 
Every word He uttered came from God, and He spoke 
with the authority of heaven. "The words that I 
speak unto you," He said, "they are spirit, and they 
are life." John 6:63. His teaching is full of en- 
nobling, saving truth, to which men's highest ambi- 
tions and most profound investigations can bear no 
comparison. He was alive to the terrible ruin hang- 
ing over the race, and He came to save souls by His 
own righteousness, bringing to the world definite as- 
surance of hope and complete relief. 

It is because Christ's words are disregarded, be- 
cause the word of God is given a second place in 
education, that infidelity is riot and iniquity is rife. 
Things of minor consequence occupy the minds of 
many of the teachers of to-day. A mass of tradition, 
containing merely a semblance of truth, is brought 
into the courses of study given in the schools of the 
world. The force of much human teaching is found 
in assertion, not m truth. The teachers of the present 
day can use only the ability of previous teachers • and 



440 Counsels to Teachers 

yet with all the weighty importance that may be at- 
tached to the words of the greatest human authors, 
there is a conscious inability to trace back to the 
first great principle, the Source of unerring wis- 
dom. There is a painful uncertainty, a constant 
searching, a reaching for assurance that can be 
found only in God. The trumpet of human great- 
ness may be sounded, but it is with an uncertain 
sound; it is not reliable, and the salvation of souls 
cannot be assured by it. 

In acquiring earthly knowledge, men have thought 
to gain a treasure ; and they have laid the Bible aside, 
ignorant that it contains a treasure worth everything 
else. A failure to study and obey God's word has 
brought confusion into the world. Men have left 
the guardianship of Christ for the guardianship of 
the great rebel, the prince of darkness. Strange 
fire has been mingled with the sacred. The accumu- 
lation of things that minister to lust and ambition 
has brought upon the world the judgment of heaven. 

When in difficulty, philosophers and men of sci- 
ence try to satisfy their minds without appealing to 
God. They ventilate their philosophy in regard to 
the heavens and the earth, accounting for plagues, 
])estilences, epidemics, earthquakes, and famines, by 
their supposed science. Questions relating to crea- 
tion and providence they attempt to solve by saying, 
This is a law of nature. 

KNOWLEDGE THROUGH OBEDIENCE 

Disobedience has closed the door to a vast amount 
of knowledge that might have been»gained from the 
word of God. Had men been obedient, they would 



Faihor io Stu(hj OoiV^i Word 441 

have uiicU'i'stood the phm of God's government. The 
heavenly world would have opened its chambers of 
grace and glory for exploration. In form, in speech, 
in song, human beings would have been altogether 
superior to what they are now. The mystery of re- 
demption, the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sac- 
rifice, would not be vague in our minds. They would 
be not only better understood, but altogether more 
highly appreciated. 

A failure to study God's word is the great cause 
of mental weakness and inefficiency. In turning from 
this word to feed on the writings of uninspired men, 
the mind becomes dwarfed and cheapened. It is 
not brought in contact with deep, broad principles 
of eternal truth. The understanding adapts itself 
to the comprehension of the things with which it is 
familiar, and in this devotion to finite things it is 
weakened, its power is contracted, and after a time 
it becomes unable to expand. 

All this is false education. The work of every 
teacher should be to fasten the minds of the youth 
upon the grand truths of the Word of inspiration. 
This is the education essential for this life and the 
life to come. 

And let it not be thought that this will prevent 
the study of the sciences or cause a lower standard 
in education. The knowledge of God is as high as 
heaven and as broad as the universe. There is noth- 
ing so ennobling and invigorating as a study of the 
great themes which concern our eternal life. Let 
the youth seek to grasp these God-given truths, and 
their minds will expand and grow strong in the ef- 
fort. It will bring every student who is a doer of 



442 Counsels to Teachers 

the word into a broader field of thought, and secure 
for him a wealth of knowledge that is imperishable. 

The ignorance that now curses the world in re- 
gard to the binding claims of the law of God, is the 
result of neglecting the study of the Scriptures. It 
is Satan's studied plan so to absorb and engage the 
mind that God's great guide-book shall not be re- 
garded as the Book of books, and that the sinner 
shall not be led from the path of transgression into 
the path of obedience. 

Why is it that our youth, and even those of more 
mature years, are so easily led into temptation and 
sin ? — It is because the Bible is not studied and 
meditated upon as it should be. If it were made the 
daily study, there would be an inward rectitude, a 
strength of spirit, that would resist the temptations 
of the enemy. A firm, decided effort to turn from 
evil is not seen in the life, because the instruction 
given by God is disregarded. There is not put forth 
tlie effort that there should be to fill the mind with 
pure, holy thoughts, and to rid it of all that is im- 
l)ure and untrue. There is not the choosing of the 
better part, the sitting at the feet of Jesus, as did 
Mary, to learn lessons from the divine Teacher. 

When God's word is made the man of our counsel, 
when we search the Scriptures for light, heavenly 
angels come near to impress the mind and to en- 
lighten the understanding, so that it can be truly 
said, "The entrance of Th}^ words giveth light; it 
giveth understanding unto the simple." Ps. 119: 
130. It is no marvel that there is not more heavenly- 
mindedness seen among the youth who profess Chris- 
tianity, when so little attention is given to the word 



PaUurc to Sfndj/ God's Word 443 

of God. The divine counsels are not heeded; the 
divine admonitions are not obeyed. Grace and heav- 
enly wisdom are not sought, that every taint of cor- 
ruption may be cleansed from the life. 

INTO FORBIDDEN PATHS 

If the minds of the youth were directed aright, 
their conversation would be upon exalted themes. 
When the mind is pure and the thoughts ennobled 
by the truth of God, the w^ords will be of the same 
character, "like apples of gold in baskets of silver." 
Prov. 25:11, R. V. But w^ith the present under- 
standing and the present practices, with the low 
standard that Christians are content to reach, the 
conversation is cheap and profitless. It is of the 
earth, earthy, and does not reach even the standard 
of the more cultured class of worldlings. When 
Christ and heaven are the theme of contemplation, 
the conversation will give evidence of the fact. The 
speech will be seasoned with grace, and the speaker 
will show that he has been obtaining an education in 
tlie school of the divine Teacher. 

We are to regard the Bible as God's disclosure to 
us of eternal things, — the things of most consequence 
for us to know. By the world it is thrown aside, as 
if the perusal of it w^ere finished; but a thousand 
years of research would not exhaust the hidden treas- 
ure it contains. Eternity alone will disclose the 
wisdom of this book; for it is the wisdom of an 
infinite mind. Shall we, then, cultivate a deep hunger 
for the productions of human authors, and disre- 
gard the w^ord of God? It is this longing for some- 
thing they never ought to crave that makes men 



444 Counsels to Teacliprs 

substitute for true knowledge that which can never 
make them wise unto salvation. Let not man's as- 
sertions be regarded as truth when they are con- 
trary to the word of God. 

The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the 
Source of all wisdom, is second to none. But sup- 
posedly great authors, whose works are used as text- 
books for study, are received and glorified, though 
they have no vital connection with God. By such 
study man has been led into forbidden paths. Minds 
]iave been wearied to death through unnecessary work 
in trying to ol)tain that which is to them as the 
knowledge which Adam and Eve disol)eyed God in 
obtaining. 

To-day young men and women spend years in ac- 
quiring an education which is as wood and stubble, 
to be consumed in the last great conflagration. Upon 
such an education God places no value. iMany stu- 
dents leave school unable to receive the word of God 
with the reverence and respect which they gave it 
before they entered. Their faith has been eclipsed 
in the effort to excel in the various studies. The 
Bible has not been made a vital matter in their edu- 
cation, but books tainted with infidelity and propa- 
gating unsound theories have been placed before 
them. 

All unnecessary matters should be weeded from 
the courses of study, and only such studies placed 
before the student as will be of real value to him. 
With these alone he needs to become familiar, that 
he may secure the life which measures with the life 
of God. As the mind is summoned to the considera- 
tion of the sreat themes of salvation, it will rise 



Fmhivc to Study God's Word 445 

higher and hi«ilu'r in llic coniprehciisioii ol" these siil)- 
jects, leaving cheap and insignificant matters behind. 

AX ILLUSTRATION 

What was it that inach^ -Jolin the Baptist great? — 
lie ch)sed liis mind to the mass of tradition [)resented 
hy the teachers of the Jewish nation, and opened it 
to the wisdom wliicli comes from ahove. i^el'ore his 
hirth the Holy Spirit testified of Jolm : 'Tie shall 
be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall driidv 
neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled 
with the Holy Ghost. . . . And many of the chil- 
dren of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 
And he shall go before Him in the spirit and i)ower 
of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the 
children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the 
just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 
Luke 1:15-17. 

In his prophecy Zacharias said of John, "Thou, 
child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest : for 
thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare 
His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto His 
people by the remission of their sins, through the 
tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring 
from on high hath visited us, to give light to them 
that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to 
guide our feet into the way of peace." And Luke 
adds, "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, 
and was in the deserts till the day of his showing 
unto Israel." Luke 1 : 76-80. 

It was John's choice to forego the enjoyments and 
luxuries of city life for the stern diseii)line of the 
wilderness. Here his surroundings were favorable to 



446 Counsels to Teachers 

habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted 
by the clamor of the world, he could here study the 
lessons of nature, of revelation, and of providence. 
The words of the angel to Zacharias had been often 
repeated by his God-fearing parents. From child- 
hood his mission had been kept before him, and he 
accepted the holy trust. To him the solitude of the 
desert was a welcome escape from society in which 
suspicion, unbelief, and impurity had become well- 
nigh all-pervading. He distrusted his own power to 
withstand temptation, and shrank from constant con- 
tact with sin, lest he should lose tlie sense of its ex- 
ceeding sinfulness. 

But the life of John was not spent in idleness, in 
ascetic gloom, or in selfish isolation. From time to 
time he went forth to mingle with men; and he was 
ever an interested observer oL' what was passing in 
the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the 
unfolding of events. With vision illuminated by the 
divine Spirit, he studied the characters of men, that 
he might understand how to reach their hearts with 
the message of heaven. 

Of Christ, Simeon said, "Lord, now lettest Thou 
Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; 
for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou 
liast prepared before the face of all people; a light 
to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people 
Israel." And the record declares, "Jesus increased 
in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and 
man." Luke 2:29-32, 52. 

Jesus and John were represented by the educators 
of that day as ignorant, because they had not learned 
in the schools of the rabbis; but the God of heaven 



Fadlure to Study Ood's Word 447 

was their teacher, and all who heard were astonished 
at their knowledge of the Scriptures. 

The first great lesson in all education, is to know 
and understand the will of God. We should bring 
into every day of life the effort to gain this knowl- 
edge. To learn science through human interpretation 
alone is to obtain a false education; but to learn of 
God and Christ is to learn the science of heaven. The 
confusion in education has come because the wisdom 
and knowledge of God have not been exalted. 

The students in our schools are to regard the 
knowledge of God as above everything else. "The 
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolisli- 
ness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of 
God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom 
of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understand- 
ing of the prudent." "The foolishness of God is 
wiser than men ; and the weakness of God is stronger 
than men." "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, 
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteous- 
ness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, ac- 
cording as it is written. He that glorieth, let him 
glory in the Lord." 1 Cor. 1 : 18, 19, 25, 30, 31. 



-^ 



Those who profess to believe the Word should daily 
pray for the light of the Holy Spirit to shine upon 
the pages of the Sacred Book, that they may be en- 
abled to comprehend the things of the Spirit of 
God. . . . The words of men, however great, are 
not able to make us "perfect, thoroughly furnished 
unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:17. 



SOME RESULTS OF BIBLE STUDY 

The Bible contains all that is needful for the sav- 
ing of the soul, and at the same time it is adapted 
to strengthen and discipline the mind. Used as a 
text-book in our schools, it will be found far more ef- 
fective than any other book in guiding wisely in the 
affairs of this life, as well as in aiding the soul to 
climb the ladder that reaches to heaven. The Bible 
gives the true seeker an advanced mental drill; he 
comes from the contemi)lation of divine things with 
liis faculties enriched. Self is humbled, while God 
and His truth are exalted. It is because men are 
unaccpiainted with the truths of the Bible that there 
is so much lifting up of man, and so little honor 
given to God. 

In searching the pages of God's word, Ave move 
through scenes majestic and eternal. We behold 
Jesus, the Son of God, coming to our world, and en- 
gaging in the mysterious conflict that discomfited the 
powers of darkness. How wonderful, how almost 
incredible, it is that the infinite God would consent 
to the humiliation of His only begotten Son ! Let 
students contemplate this great thought. They will 
not come from such contemplation without being 
elevated, purified, ennobled. 

God's word is the spiritual food by which the 
Christian must grow strong in spirit and in intellect, 
that he may do battle, for truth and righteousness. 
The Bible teaches that every besetting sin must be 
put aw^ay, that the warfare against evil must be 
[448] 



Some Results of Bible Sliidy 449 

waged until every wrong is overcome. The human 
agent must place himself as a willing student in the 
school of Christ. As he accepts the grace freely of- 
fered him, the presence of the Saviour in the thoughts 
and in the heart will give him decision of purpose to 
lay aside every weight, that the heart may be filled 
with all the fulness of God. 

The simplicity of true godliness must l)e brought 
into the education of our young people, if they are 
to know how to escape the corruption that is in the 
world. They must be taught that the true followers 
of Christ will serve God not only when it is in ac- 
cordance with their inclinations, but also Avhen it 
involves self-denial and cross-bearing. Besetting sins 
must be battled with and overcome. Objectionable 
traits of character, whetlier hereditary or cultivated, 
uuist be compared with the great rule of righteous- 
ness, and tlien conquered in the strengtii of Christ. 
Day by day, hour by hour, a vigorous work of self- 
denial and of sanctification must go on within; then 
the works will bear witness that Jesus is abiding in 
the heart by faith. Sanctification does not close the 
avenues of the soul to knowledge, l)ut expands the 
mind, and inspires it to search for truth as for hidden 
treasure. 

AN UNERRING GUIDE 

The young man who makes the Bible his guide, 
need not mistake the path of duty and of safety. 
That book will teach him to preserve his integrity 
of character, to be truthful, to practise no deception. 
It will teach him that he must never transgress God's 
law in order to accomplish a desired object, even 

29 — Counsels 



450 Counsels to Teachers 

though to obey involves a sacrifice. It- will teach 
him that the blessing of heaven will not rest upon 
him if he departs from the path of right-doing; that 
although men may appear to prosper in disobedience, 
they will surely reap the fruit of their sowing. 

Those only who read the Scriptures as the voice 
of God speaking to them, are true learners. They 
tremble at the voice of God, for to them it is a living 
reality. They open their understanding to divine 
instruction, and pray for grace, that they may obtain 
a preparation for service. As the heavenly torch 
is placed in his hand, the seeker for truth sees his 
own frailty, his infirmity, the hopelessness of look- 
ing to himself for righteousness. He sees that there 
is in him nothing that can recommend him to God. 
He prays for the Holy Spirit, the representative of 
Christ, to be his constant guide, to lead him into 
all truth. He repeats the promise, "The Comforter, 
which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will 
send in My name, He shall teach you all things." 
John 14 : 26. 

RECEIVING TO GIVE 

The study of the Bible in our schools will give the 
students special advantages. Those who receive into 
their hearts the holy principles of truth will work 
with increasing energy. No circumstances can alter 
their determination to attain to the highest possible 
standard. And that which they have received they 
will impart to othei:^. As they themselves drink from 
the fountain of living water, from them will flow 
living streams to bless and refresh others. 

The diligent Bible student will constantly increase 
in knowledo^e and discernment. His intellect will 



Some Rcsult6 of Bible Sliidtj 451 

grasp elevated subjects, and lay hold of the truth of 
eternal realities. His motives of action will be right. 
He will use his talent of influence to help others to 
understand more perfectly their God-given responsi- 
bilities. His heart will be a wellspring of joy as he 
sees success attend his efforts to impart to others the 
blessings he has received. 

The talent of knowledge, sanctified and put to 
use in the Master's service, is never lost. A self- 
sacrificing effort to do good will be crowned with 
success. "We are laborers together with God." 
1 Cor. 3 : 9. The Lord will co-operate with the hu- 
man worker. To Him is to be given the praise and 
the glory for what we are able to accomplish. 

The Lord is dishonored by the deterioration or the 
perversion of the talents He has entrusted to men. 
It is the duty and the privilege of the Christian to 
improve his talents. Christ gave His life to purchase 
for men the privilege of being co-workers with God. 
Yet thousands who have received much light and 
many opportunities, do not grasp the blessings that 
are within their reach. 

That education only is wholesome and essential 
which leads to a knowledge of the value that God has 
placed upon mankind. The students in our schools 
are to be taught that they are of value in the sight 
of God, that they have been bought with an infinite 
price. They should be made to realize the impor- 
tance of putting to a right use every faculty of the 
being. They are to put on Christ; then all their 
powers will be used in persevering, taxing labor in 
His service. 



452 Counsels to Teachers 

The students are to be taught to help those who 
need encouragement. As they seek to help others, 
they themselves will "grow in grace, and in the 
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 
(2 Peter 3: 18), and their efficiency will be increased. 
"Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." 
1 Cor. 3 : 9. Christians will fulfil the purpose of 
God for them only as they increase in knowledge, 
and return to Him in earnest service the gifts they 
have received. 

A NEW MIND 

The truths of God's word are not mere sentiments, 
l)ut the utterances of the ]\Iost High. He who makes 
these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense' 
a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, 
but the darkness that through ignorance and sin have 
clouded the understanding, is removed. 

The words, "A new heart also will I give you" 
(Eze. 36:2G), mean, A new mind will I give you. 
Tliis change of heart is always attended by a clear 
conception of Christian duty, an understanding of 
truth. The clearness of our view of truth will l)e 
proportionate to our understanding of the word of 
God. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful 
attention will gain clear comprehension and sound 
judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a 
higher plane of intelligence. 

If the mind is set to the task of studying the Bible, 
the understanding will strengthen and the reasoning 
faculties will improve. Under the study of the Scrip- 
tures the mind expands and becomes more evenly 
balanced than if occupied in obtaining information 
from books that have no connection with the Bible.' 



THE WORD AND WORKS OF GOD 

God calls upon teachers to behold the heavens, and 
to study His works in nature. ''The heavens declare 
the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His 
handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night 
unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech 
nor language, where their voice is not heard." Ps. 
19:1-3. Shall we not strive to understand the won- 
derful works of God? We should do well to read 
often the nineteenth psalm, that we may understand 
how the Lord binds up His law with His created 
works. 

Can we find for our schools any text-book filled 
with such deep, earnest declarations as is the word of 
the living God? Then why should this book be laid 
aside for the writings of infidel authors ? What more 
valuable book could be placed in the hands of stu- 
dents than that which teaches them how they may in- 
herit eternal life ? The lessons of Bible history should 
be kept before the youth in our schools, that those 
who have no love for God and no interest in spiritual 
things, may become interested, and learn to love the 
word. 

Christ is the center of all true doctrine. All true 
religion is found in His word and in nature. He is 
the one in whom our hopes of eternal life are cen- 
tered; and the teacher who learns from Him finds 
a safe anchorage. 

All that the mind can grasp is opened before us 
in the Bible. This is our spiritual food. We are to 
contemplate the wonderful works of God, and repeat 

L453] 



454 Counsels to Teachers 

to our children the lessons learned, that we may lead 
them to see His skill, His power, and His grandeur 
in His created works. 

What a God is our God ! He rules over His king- 
dom with diligence and care; and He has built a 
hedge — the ten commandments — about His sub- 
jects, to preserve them from the results of transgres- 
sion. In requiring obedience to the laws of His 
kingdom, God gives His people health and happiness, 
peace and joy. He teaches them that the perfection 
of character He requires can be attained only by 
becoming familiar wdth His word. 

It is written in the prophets: "0 thou afflicted, 
tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will 
lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy founda- 
tions with sapphires. And I will make thy windows 
of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy 
borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children 
shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the 
peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be 
established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for 
thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall 
not come near thee." Isa. 54:11-14. 

''This shall be the covenant that I will make with 
the house of Israel: After those days, saith the Lord, 
I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it 
in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall 
be My people. And they shall teach no more every 
man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 
Know the Lord : for they shall all know Me, from the 
least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the 
Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will 
remember their sin no more. ' ' Jer. 31 : 33, 34. 



The WorrI and Works of God 455 

''Aud many ualions shall come, and say, Come, 
and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and 
to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teacli 
us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for 
the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the 
Lord from Jerusalem." Micah 4:2. 

The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson- 
book of Israel. . . . There are practical lessons in 
the w^ord of God, lessons that Christ %vould have 
teachers and parents present to the children in the 
school and in the home. That word teaches living, 
holy principles, which prompt men to do unto others 
as they would have others do unto them, — principles 
which they are to bring into the daily life here below, 
and carry with them into the school above. This is 
the higher education. No learning of human origin 
can gain these heights; for they reach into eternity, 
and are immortalized. We know altogether too little 
of the greatness of the love and compassion of God. 

Let students put to the stretch their mental facul- 
ties, that they may comprehend the forty-fifth chap- 
ter of Isaiah. Such chapters as this should be brought 
into our schools as a valuable study. They are bet- 
ter than romance and fables. Why have our schools 
been so dependent upon books which tell so little 
of the city we claim to be seeking, whose builder and 
maker is God? Our lesson-books should contain the 
loftiest themes of thought. Heaven is our home. 
Our citizenship is above, and our lives must not be 
devoted to a world that is soon to be destroyed. . . . 

Take the Bible as a study book, and see if you 
are not filled with the love of God. Your heart may 
be barren, your intellect feeble; but if you will 



456 CoiDiscls to Teachers 

prayerfully study the word of God, light will flash 
into your mind. God works with every diligent stu- 
dent. Teachers who will learn from the great Teacher 
will realize the help of God as did Daniel and his 
fellows, of whom the record states, "As for these four 
children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all 
learning and wisdom : and Daniel had understanding 
in all visions and dreams." Dan. 1 : 17. . . . 

I could refer to chapter after chapter of the Old 
Testament Scriptures that contain great encourage- 
ment. These Scriptures are a treasure-house of pre- 
cious pearls, and all need them. How iiuich time is 
spent by intelligent human beings in horse-racing, 
cricket matches, and ball-playing! But will .indul- 
gence in these sports give men a desire to know 
truth and righteousness? Will it keep God in their 
thoughts? Will it lead them to inquire. How is it 
with my soul? 

All the powers of Satan are set in operation to hold 
the attention to frivolous amusements, and he is 
gaining his object. He is interposing his devisings 
between God and the soul. He will manufacture di- 
versions to keep men from thinking about God. The 
world, filled with sport and pleasure-loving, is always 
thirsting for some new interest; but how little time 
and thought are given to the Creator of the heavens 
and the earth! 

God calls upon men to see Him in the wonders of 
the heavens. "Lift up your eyes on high," He says, 
"and behold who hath created these things, that 
bringeth out their host by number : He calleth them 
all by names by the greatness of His might." Isa. 
40 : 26. God would have us study the works of in- 



The Word and Works of God 457 

fiuity, and from this study learn to love aud rever- 
ence and obey Him. The heavens and the earth 
with their treasures are to teach the lessons of God's 
love and care and power. 

God calls upon His creatures to turn their atten- 
tion from the confusion and perplexity around them, 
and admire His handiwork. As we study His Avorks, 
angels from heaven will be by our side, to enlighten 
our minds, and guard tliem from Satan's deceptions. 
As you look at the wonderful things that God's hand 
has made, let your proud, foolish heart feel its de- 
pendence and inferiority. How terrible it is when 
the acknowledgment of God is not made when it 
should be made! How sad to humble oneself when 
it is too late ! 

The psalmist declares, ''When Thou saidst, Seek 
ye ^ly face ; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face. Lord, 
will I seek." Ps. 27:8. The whole of this psalm 
should find a place in the reading and spelling les- 
sons of the school. The twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, 
and seventy-eighth psalms tell of the rich blessings 
bestowed by God upon His people, and of their poor 
returns for all His benefits. The eighty-first psalm 
explains why Israel was scattered, — they forgot God, 
as the .churches in our land are forgetting Him to- 
day. Consider also the eighty-ninth, ninetieth, ninety- 
first, ninety-second, and ninety-third psalms. 

These things were written for our admonition, upon 
whom the ends of the w^orld are come; and should 
they not be studied in our schools! The w^ord of 
God contains instructive lessons, given in reproof, 
in warning, in encouragement, and in rich promises. 



458 Counsels to Teachers 

Would not such food as this be meat in due season 
to the youth? 

AN IMPRESSIVE REPRESENTATION 

In a night vision given nie some years ago I was 
in an assembly where our school problems were be- 
ing discussed, and the question was asked, "Why 
has not appropriate matter for reading-books and 
other lesson-books been selected and compiled? Why 
has not the word of God been extolled above every 
human production? Have you thought that a better 
knowledge of what the Lord hath sarid would have a 
deleterious effect on teachers and students?" 

There was a hush in the assembly, and conviction 
came to students and teachers. Men who had looked 
upon themselves as wise and strong, saw that they 
were weak, and lacking in the knowledge of that 
book which concerns the eternal destiny of the 
luiman soul. 

The Speaker then took from the hands of the 
teachers books which they had been making their 
study, some of which had been written by infidel 
authors and contained infidel sentiments, and laid 
them on the floor. Then He placed the Bible in 
their hands, saying, "You have little knowledge of 
this book. You know not the Scriptures nor the 
power of God. When you have taken .your students 
through the course of study you have followed in the 
past, they will have to unlearn much that they have 
learned, and this they will find very difficult to do. 
Objectionable ideas have taken root in their minds, 
like weeds in a garden, and some will never be able 
to distinguish bet\Yeen right and wrong. The good 



The Word and Works of God 459 

aud the evil have been intermingled in your work. 
Doctrines containing a little truth, but with which 
are woven the opinions and sayings and doings of 
men, are repeated. The youth will never know the 
way of life so long as they depend on such in- 
struction. ' ' 

By every teacher in our scliools the only true God 
is to be uplifted. The prayer of Christ for His dis- 
ciples was: ''I have glorified Thee on the earth: I 
have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. 
And now, Father, glorify Thou IMe with Thine 
own self with the glory which I had with Thee be- 
fore the world was. I have manifested Thy name 
unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the 
world : Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me ; 
and they have kept Thy word. Now they have 
known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given 
Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the 
words which Thou gavest Me ; and they have received 
them, and have known surely that I came out from 
Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send 
Me.^' John 17:4-8. 

Who among our teachers are awake, and as faith- 
ful stewards of the grace of God, are giving the 
trumpet a certain sound? Who are voicing the mes- 
sage of the third angel, calling upon the world to 
make ready for the great day of God? The message 
we bear has the seal of the living God. 

July 20, 1899. 



STUDY THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELVES 

There is nothing more calculated to energize the 
mind and strengthen the intellect than the study of 
the word of God. No other book is so potent to ele- 
vate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as 
the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's 
word were studied as it should be, men would have 
a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a 
stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these 
times. The search for truth will reward tlie seeker 
at every turn, and each discovery Avill open up richer 
fields for his investigation. 

Thousands of men who minister in the pulpit are 
lacking in essential qualities of mind and character 
1)ecause they do not apply themselves to the study 
of the Scriptures. They are content with a super- 
ficial knowledge of the truths that are full of rich 
dei)ths of meaning; and they prefer to go on, losing 
much in every way, rather than to search diligently 
for the hidden treasure. 

Men are changed in accordance with what they 
contemi)late. If commonplace thoughts and affairs 
take up the attention, the man will be commonplace. 
If he is too negligent to obtain anything but a super- 
ficial understanding of truth, he will not receive the 
rich blessings that God would be pleased to bestow 
upon him. It is a law of the mind that it will nar- 
row or expand to the dimensions of the things with 
which it becomes familiar. The mental powers will 
surely l)ecome contracted, and will lose their ability 
[460] 



study the Bible for Yourselrcs 461 

to grasp the deep ineaniugs of tlie word of God, 
unless they are put vigorously aud persistently to 
the task of searching for truth. The mind Avill en- 
large if it is employed in tracing out the relation of 
the subjects of the Bi})le to one another, comparing 
scripture with scripture, and spiritual things wdth 
spiritual. The richest treasures of thought are wait- 
ing for the diligent student. 

The knowledge of God is not gained without mental 
effort and prayer for wisdom. Many are convinced 
that the precious treasures of the kingdom of God 
and of Christ are contained in the Word. They know 
also that no earthly treasure is gained without pains- 
taking effort. Why should they expect to under- 
stand the meaning of the Scriptures without diligent 
study ? 

The word of God is light and truth, — a lamp to 
the feet and a light to the path. It is able to guide 
every step of the way to the city of God. For this 
reason, Satan has made desperate efforts to obscure 
the light, that men may not find and keep the path 
cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. 

As the miner digs for the golden treasure in the 
earth, so earnestly, persistently, must we seek for the 
treasure of God's word. In daily study the verse-by- 
verse method is often most helpful. Let the student 
take one verse, and concentrate his mind on ascer- 
taining the thought that God has put into that verse 
for him, and then dwell upon the thought until it 
becomes his own. One passage thus studied until its 
significance becomes clear, is of more value than 
the perusal of many chapters with no definite pur- 
pose in view and no positive instruction gained. 



462 Counsels to Teachers 

THE BIBLE ITS OWN EXPOSITOR 

The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to 
be compared with scripture. The student should 
learn to view the word as a whole, and to see the 
relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge 
of its grand central theme, — of God 's original pur- 
pose for the world, of the rise of the great contro- 
versy, and of the work of redemption. He should 
understand the nature of the two principles that are 
contending for the supremacy, and should learn to 
trace their w^orking through the records of history 
and prophecy, to the great consummation. He should 
see how this controversy enters into every phase of 
human experience; how in every act of life he him- 
self reveals the one or the other of the two antago- 
nistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he 
is even now deciding upon which side of the contro- 
versy he will be found. 

Every part of the Bible is given by inspiration 
of God, and is profitable. The Old Testament, no 
less than the New, should receive attention. As we 
study the Old Testament, we shall find living springs 
bubbling up where the careless reader discerns only 
a desert. 

The Old Testament sheds light upon the New, and 
the New upon the Old. Each is a revelation of the 
glory of God in Christ. Christ as manifested to the 
patriarchs, as symbolized in the sacrificial service, as 
portrayed in the law, and as revealed by the prophets, 
is the riches of the Old Testament. Christ in His 
life. His death, and His resurrection; Christ as He 
is manifested by the Holy Spirit, is the treasure of 



study the Bible for Yourselres 468 

the New. Holli Old and New present truths that will 
continually reveal new depths of meaning to the 
earnest seeker. 

When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the 
student begins to realize how vast is the field and how 
precious its treasure, he will desire to seize upon 
every opportunity for acquainting himself with God's 
word. Its study will be restricted to no special time 
or place. And this continuous study is one of the 
best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures. 
Let the student keep his Bible always with him, and 
as he has opportunity, read a text and meditate upon 
it. While walking in the streets, waiting at a rail- 
way station, waiting to meet an engagement, let 
him improve the opportunity to gain some precious 
thought from the treasure-house of truth. 



-<5)- 



The student of the Word should not make his 
opinions a center around which truth is to revolve. 
He should not search for the purpose of finding 
texts of Scripture that he can construe to prove his 
theories; for this is wresting the Scriptures to his 
own destruction. The Bible student must empty him- 
self of every prejudice, lay his own ideas at the door 
of investigation, and with humble, subdued heart, 
with self hid in Christ, with earnest prayer, he should 
seek wisdom from God. He should seek to know the 
revealed will of God because it concerns his present 
and eternal welfare. This word is the directory by 
which he must learn the way to eternal life. 



464 Counsels to Teachers 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



God's Word a Treasure- Ed., pp. 128-134. 

House P. and P., pp. 596-598. 

M. of H., pp. 461, 462. 
C. O. L., pp. 107-114, 125, 126. 
Test. Vol. 4, pp. 545, 546, 584- 

586. 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 257-259. 

The Book of Books Ed., pp. 123-127, 135-184. 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 9-15. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 131-133. 

The Bible Teacher Ed., pp. 18.5-192. 

Results of Studying God's M. of H., pp. 458-466. 
Word Test. Vol. 8, pp. 319-325. 

Study the Bible for Ed., pp. 185-192. 

Yourselves Test. Vol. 4, pp. 41 6, 498, 499. 



MEDICAL STUDIES 



''Not to be ministered nnto, 
but to minister." 



A CALL FOR GOSPEL iMEDICAL 
IMISSIONARIES 

When Jesus sent forth the twelve on tlieir first 
mission of mercy, He eommissioned them "to preaeh 
tlie kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." Luke 
9:2. "As ye go," He said, "preach, saying. The 
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse 
the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye 
have received, freely give." Matt. 10:7, 8. And 
as they "went through the towns, preaching the gos- 
pel, and healing everywhere" (Luke 9:6), the bless- 
ing of heaven accompanied their labors. The fulfil- 
ment of the Saviour's commission by the disciples 
made their message the power of God unto salvation, 
and through their efforts many were ])rought to a 
knowledge of the Messiah. 

The seventy who were sent out a little later, were 
also commissioned to "heal the sick" (Luke 10:9) 
as well as to announce the advent of the promised 
Redeemer. In their work of teaching and healing, 
the disciples followed the example of the Master- 
teacher, who ministered to both soul and body. The 
gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual 
life and physical restoration. Deliverance from sin 
and the healing of disease were linked together. 

[465] 

30 — Counsels 



466 Counsels to Teachers 

And at the close of His earthly ministry, when He 
charged His disciples with a solemn commission to go 
''into all the world, and preach the gospel to every 
creature," He declared that their ministry would 
receive confirmation through the restoration of the 
sick to health. Ye ' ' shall lay hands on the sick, ' ' He 
said, ' ' and they shall recover. ' ' Mark 16 : 15, 18. By 
healing in His name the diseases of the body, they 
would testify to His power for the healing of the 
soul. 

The Saviour's commission to the disciples includes 
all believers to the end of time. All to whom the 
heavenly inspiration has come, are put in trust with 
the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are 
ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow- 
men. For this work the church was established, and 
all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are 
thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. 

''They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall 
recover. ' ' This world is a vast lazar-house, but Christ 
came to heal the sick, to proclaim deliverance to the 
captives of Satan. He was in Himself health and 
strength. He imparted His life to the sick, the af- 
flicted, those possessed of demons. He knew that 
many of those who petitioned Him for help had 
brought disease upon themselves; yet He did not re- 
fuse to heal them. And when virtue from Christ 
entered into these poor souls, they were convicted of 
sin, and many were healed of their spiritual disease 
as well as of their physical maladies. 

To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, 
Christ said, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come 
unto thee. ' ' John 5 : 14. Thus He tauffht that dis- 



A Call for Medical Mi^tsiovaripfi 4G7 

ease is the result of violating God s laws, both natu- 
ral and spiritual. The great misery in the world 
would not exist had men from the beginning lived in 
harmonj' with the Creator's plan. There are con- 
ditions to be observed by all who would preserve 
health. All should learn what these conditions are. 
The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to 
His laws, either natural or spiritual. We are to be 
workers together with God for the restoration of 
health to the body as well as to the soul. 

And we should teach others how to preserve and 
to recover health. For the sick we should use the 
remedies which God has provided in nature, and we 
should point them to Him who alone can restore. It 
is our work to present the sick and suffering to 
Christ in the arms of our faith. We should teach 
them to believe in the great Healer. We should lay 
hold on His promise, and pray for the manifestation 
of His power. The very essence of the gospel is res- 
toration, and the Saviour would have us bid the sick, 
tlie hopeless, and the afflicted, take hold upon His 
strength. 

Never has the world's need for teaching and heal- 
ing been greater than it is to-day. The world is full 
of those who need to be ministered unto, — the weak, 
the helpless, the ignorant, the degraded. The con- 
tinual transgression of man for nearly six thousand 
years has brought sickness, pain, and death as its 
fruit. Multitudes are perishing for lack of knowledge. 

As God 's ministers behold the awful results of long- 
continued sin, their hearts are touched with the 
world's woe, and they are endeavoring to labor as the 
Master-workman and His disciples labored. Con- 



468 Coiotsels to Teachers 

nected with the divine Healer, they are going forth 
in the power of His might to teach and to heal. 
They realize that the gospel is the only antidote for 
sin, and that as Christ's witnesses they are to bear 
testimony to its power. As they point the afflicted 
ones to the Lamb of God, who taketli away the sin 
of the world, His transforming grace and miracle- 
working power are causing many to accept the mes- 
sage of truth that is borne. His healing power, 
united with the gospel message, is bringing success 
in emergencies. The Holy Spirit is working upon 
hearts, and the salvation of God is ])eing revealed. 

lUit the world's need to-day cannot be met fully 
])y the ministry of God's servants who have been 
called to preach the everlasting gospel to every 
creature. While it is well, so far as possible, for 
evangelical workers to learn how to minister to the 
necessities of the l)ody as well as of the soul, thus 
following the example of Christ, yet they cannot 
spend all their time and strength in relieving those 
in need of help. The Lord has ordained that with 
those who preach the word shall be associated His 
medical missionary workers, — Christian physicians 
and nurses, who have received special training in the 
healing of disease and in soul-winning. 
• Medical missionaries and workers in the gospel 
ministry are to be bound together by indissoluble 
ties. Their work is to be done with freshness and 
power. By their combined efforts the world is to 
be prepared for the second advent of Christ. Through 
their united labors the Sun of Righteousness is to rise, 
with healing in His wings, to lighten the benighted 
regions of the earth, where the people have long lived 



A Call for Mr (Ural Mi.'^.^ioDaries 469 

in gross darkness. Many wlio are now dwelling in 
the shadow of sin and death, as they see in God's 
faithful servants a retieetion of the Light of tlu^ 
world, Avill realize that they have a hope of salvation, 
and they will open their hearts to receive the heal- 
ing heams, and will in turn heeome light-hearers to 
others yet in darkness. 

So great are the world's needs, that not all who 
are called to he medical missionary evangelists can 
afford to spend years in preparation hefore hegin- 
ning to do actual field work. Soon doors now open 
to the gospel messenger will he forever closed. God 
calls upon many who are prepared to do acceptahle 
service, to carry the message now, not waiting for 
further preparation ; for while some delay, the enemy 
may take possession of fields now open. 

I have heen instructed that little companies who 
have received a suitable training in evangelical and 
medical missionary lines, should go forth to do the 
work to which Christ appointed His disciples. Let 
them labor as evangelists, scattering our publications, 
talking of the truth to those they meet, praying for 
the sick, and, if need be, treating them, not with 
drugs, but ^vith nature's remedies, ever realizing 
their dependence on God. As they unite in the work 
of teaching and healing, they will reap a rich harvest 
of souls. 

And while God is calling upon young men and 
women who have already gained a practical knowl- 
edge of how to treat the sick, to labor as gospel 
medical missionaries in connection with experienced 
evangelical workers, He is also calling for many re- 
cruits to enter our medical missionary training- 



470 Counsels to Teachers 

schools to gain a speedy and thorough preparation 
for service. Some need not spend so long a time in 
these schools as do others. It is not in harmony with 
God's purpose that all should plan to spend exactly 
the same length of time, whether three, four, or five 
years, in preparation, before beginning to engage in 
active field work. Some, after studying for a time, 
can develop more rapidly by working along practical 
lines in different places, under the supervision of 
experienced leaders, than they could by remaining 
in an institution. As they advance in knowledge and 
ability, some of these will find it much to their ad- 
vantage to return to one of our sanitarium training- 
schools for more instruction. Thus they will become 
efficient medical missionaries, prepared for trying 
emergencies. 

Much may be learned by visiting the hospitals. In 
these hospitals not a few of our consecrated young 
people should be learning to be successful medical 
missionaries. Observation, and the practice of that 
which has been learned, will enable our youth to be- 
come efficient nurses, with superior skill, fitted to 
stand upon the highest eminence. Every physician, 
every nurse, every helper, who has anything to do in 
God's service, must aim at perfection. Nothing short 
of this standard is pleasing to Him who has called 
us to be co-laborers with Him. And especially should 
those who are in training to act as His medical mis- 
sionaries, turn resolutely from every temptation to 
be satisfied with a superficial knowledge of their pro- 
fession. Let them rather reach upward to perfection. 
Theirs is a most exacting calling, and their prepara- 
tion must be painstaking and thorough. 



A Call for Meclical Misfiionaries 471 

The cause of God to-day would have been far in 
advance of what it is, had we in former years been 
more active in the training of nurses who, in addi- 
tion to their acquirement of more than ordinary skill 
in the care of the sick, had also learned to labor as 
evangelists in soul-winning service. 

It is for the training of such workers, as well as 
for the training of physicians, that the school at 
Loma Linda has been founded. In this school many 
workers are to be qualified with the ability of phy- 
sicians, to labor, not in professional lines as physi- 
cians, but as medical missionary evangelists. This 
training is to be in harmony with the principles un- 
derlying true higher education. The cause is in 
need of hundreds of workers who have received a 
practical and thorough education in medical lines, 
and who are also prepared to labor from house to 
house as teachers, Bible workers, and colporteurs. 
Such students should come out of the school without 
having sacrificed the principles of health reform or 
their love for God and righteousness. 

Those who take advanced training in nursing, and 
go forth into all parts of the world as medical mis- 
sionary evangelists, cannot expect to receive from the 
world the honor and the rewards that often come to 
fully accredited physicians. Yet as they go about 
their work of teaching and of healing, and link up 
closely with God's servants who have been called to 
the ministry of His word, His blessing will rest upon 
their labors, and marvelous transformations will be 
wrought. In a special sense they w^ill be His help- 
ing hand. 



472 Counsels to TcacJiers 

The duties of the physician are arduous. Few 
realize the mental and physical strain to which he 
is subjected. Every energy and capalulity nuist be 
enlisted with the most intense anxiety in the battle 
with disease and death. Often he knows that one 
unskilled movement of the hand, even but a hair's 
breadth in the wrong direction, may send a soul un- 
prepared into eternity. How much the faithful 
physician needs the sympathy and prayers of the 
people of God ! His claims in this direction are not 
inferior to tliose of the most devoted minister or 
missionary worker. Deprived, as he often is, of suf- 
ficient rest and sleep, he needs a double portion of 
grace, a fresh sui)ply daily, or he will lose his hold 
on God, and will be in danger of sinking deeper in 
spiritual darkness than men of other callings. And 
yet often he is made to bear unmerited reproaches, 
and is left to stand alone, the subject of Satan's 
fiercest temptations, feeling himself misunderstood, 
betrayed by his friends. 

iMany, knowing how trying are the duties of the 
physician, and how few opportunities physicians have 
for release from care, even upon the Sab])ath, will not 
choose this for their life-work. But the great enemy 
is constantly seeking to destroy the workmanship of 
God's hands, and men of culture and intelligence 
are called for to com])at his cruel power. More of 
the right kind of men are needed to devote them- 
selves to this profession. Painstaking effort should be 
made to induce suitable men to qualify themselves 
for this work. They should be men whose charac- 
ters are based upon the broad principles of the word 
of God, — men who possess a natural energy, force, 



A f'nJJ for Mtdcdl Missio}iaries 473 

and perseverance that will enable them to reach a 
high standard of excellence. 

It is not every one who can make a successful phy- 
sician. ]\Iany have entered upon the duties of this 
profession in every way unprepared. They have not 
the requisite knowledge; neither have they the skill 
and tact, the carefulness and intelligence, necessary 
to insure success. A physician can do much better 
if he has physical strength. If he is feeble, he can- 
not endure the wearing labor incident to his call- 
ing. A man wlio has a weak constitution, who is a 
dyspeptic, or who is lacking in self-control, cannot 
become qualified to deal with all chesses ol' disease. 
Great care should be taken not to encourage persons 
who might be useful in some less responsible position, 
to study medicine at a great outlay of time and 
means, when there is no reasonable hope that they 
will succeed. 

I have been instructed that in view of the trying 
nature of medical missionary work, those who desire 
to take up this line should first be thoroughly ex- 
amined by competent physicians, to ascertain whether 
or not they have the strength necessary to endure the 
course of study through which tliey must pass in 
the training-school. 



We have a work to do in securing the best talent, 
and in placing these workers in positions where they 
can educate other workers. Then when our sani- 
tariums and mission fields call for physicians, ^Ye 
shall have young men who, through their experience 
gained by practical work, have become fitted to bear 
responsibilities. 



THE MEDICAL STUDENT 

While seeking a preparation for his life-work, the 
medical student should be encouraged to attain the 
highest possible development of all his powers. His 
studies, taxing though they are, need not necessarily 
undermine his physical health, or lessen his enjoy- 
ment of spiritual things. Throughout his course of 
study, he may continually grow in grace and in a 
knowledge of truth, while at the same time he may 
be constantly adding to the store of knowledge that 
will make him a wise practitioner. 

To medical students I would say, Enter upon your 
course of study with a determination to do right and 
to maintain Christian principles. Flee temptation, 
and avoid every influence for evil. Preserve your 
integrit}^ of soul. Maintain a conscientious regard 
for truth and righteousness. Be faithful in the 
smaller responsibilities, and show yourselves to be 
close, critical thinkers, having soundness of heart and 
uprightness, being loyal to God and true to mankind. 

Opportunities are before you^ if studious and up- 
right, you may obtain an education of the highest 
value. Make the most of your privileges. Be not sat- 
isfied wdth ordinary attainments; seek to qualify 
yourselves to fill positions of trust in connection with 
the Lord's work in the earth. United with the God 
of wisdom and power, you may become intellectually 
strong, and increasingly capable as soul-winners. 
You may become men and women of responsibility 
and influence, if, by tlie power of your will, coupled 

[474] 



The Medical Sfud^^nt 475 

with divine strength, you earnestly engage in th(^ 
work of securing a proper training. 

Exercise the mental powers, and in no case neg- 
lect the physical. Let not intellectual slothfulness 
close up your path to greater knowledge. Learn to 
reflect as well as to study, that your minds may ex- 
pand, strengthen, and develop. Never think that you 
have learned enough, and that you may now relax 
your efforts. The cultivated mind is the measure of 
the man. Your education should continue during 
your lifetime; every day you should ])e learning, and 
putting to practical use the knowledge gained. 

In order for you to become men and women that 
can be depended upon, there must be a growth of the 
powers, the exercise of every faculty, even in little 
things; then greater power is acquired to bear larger 
responsibilities. Individual responsibility and ac- 
countability are essential. In putting into practice 
that which you are learning during your student cla}- s, 
do not shrink from bearing your share of responsi- 
bility because there are risks to take, because some- 
thing must be ventured. Do not leave others to be 
brains for you. You must train your powers to be 
strong and vigorous; then the entrusted talents will 
grow, as a steady, uniform, unyielding energy is ex- 
ercised in bearing individual responsibility. God 
would have you add, day by day, little by little, to 
your stock of ideas, acting as if the moments were 
jewels, to be carefully gathered and discreetly cher- 
ished. You will thus acquire breadth of thought and 
strength of intellect. 

God will not require of man a more strict account 
of anything than of the way in which he has occu- 



476 Cn}{))S!cls to Teachers 

pied his tiine. Have its hours been wasted and 
abused? God has granted to us the precious boon 
of life, not to be devoted to selfish gratification. Our 
work is too solemn, our time to serve God and our 
fellow-men too short, to be spent in seeking for fame. 
0, if men would stop in their aspirations where God 
has set the bounds, what different service would the 
Lord receive! 

There are many who are in such haste to ciimb to 
distinction that they skip some of the rounds of the 
ladder, and in so doing lose experience which they 
must have in order to become intelligent workers. In 
their zeal, the knowledge of many things looks un- 
important to them. They skim over the surface, and 
do not go deep into the mine of truth, thus by a slow 
and painstaking process gaining an experience that 
will enable them to be of special help to others. We 
want our medical students to be men and women 
wlio are most thorough, and who feel it their duty to 
improve every talent lent them, that they may finally 
double their entrusted capital. 

The light that God has given in medical missionary 
lines will not cause His people to lie regarded as 
inferior in scientific medical knowledge, but will fit 
them to stand upon the highest eminence. God would 
have them stand as a wise and understanding people 
because of His presence with them. In the strength 
of Him who is the source of all wisdom, all grace, 
defects and ignorance may be overcome. 

Let every medical student aim to reach a high 
standard. Under the discipline of the greatest of all 
teachers our course must ever tend upward to per- 



The Mcd'ual ^iud()\i 477 

feetion. All who are connected with the medical mis- 
sionary work mnst he hnirners. Let no one stop to 
say, ''I cannot do this." Let him say instead, ''God 
requires me to he perfect, lie expects me to work 
away from all commonness and cheapness, and to 
strive after that which is of the highest order." 

There is only one power that can make medical stu- 
dents what they ought to he, and keep them stead- 
fast, — the grace of God and the power of the truth 
exerting a saving influence upon life and character. 
These students, who intend to minister to suffering 
humanity, will find no graduating place this side of 
heaven. That knowledge which is termed science 
should he acquired, while the seeker daily acknowl- 
edges that the fear of God is the heginning of wisdom. 
Everything that will strengthen the mind should ])e 
cultivated to the utmost of their power, while at the 
same time they should seek God for wisdom; for un- 
less they are guided by the wisdom from above, they 
will become an easy prey to the deceptive power of 
Satan. They will become large in their own eyes, 
pompous, and self-sufficient. 

God-fearing plwsicians speak modestly of their 
work; but novices with limited experience in dealing 
with the bodies and souls of men will often speak 
boastingly of their knowledge and attainments. These 
need a better understanding of themselves ; then they 
would become more intelligent in regard to their 
duties, and would realize that in every department 
where they have to labor, they must possess a Avilling 
mind, an earnest spirit, and a hearty, unselfish zeal 
in trying to do others good. They will not study how^ 
best to preserve their dignity, but by thoughtfulness 



478 Counsels to Teachers 

and care-taking will earn a reputation for thorough- 
ness and exactitude, and by sympathetic ministry 
will gain the hearts of those whom thej^ serve. 

In the medical profession there are many skeptics 
and atheists who exalt the works of God above the 
God of science. Comparatively few of those who 
enter worldly medical colleges come out from them 
pure and unspotted. They have failed to become ele- 
vated, ennobled, sanctified. Material things eclipse 
the heavenly and eternal. With many, religious faith 
and principles are mingled with worldly customs and 
practices, and pure and undefiled religion is rare. 
But it is the privilege of every student to enter col- 
lege with the same fixed, determined principle that 
Daniel had when he entered the court of Babylon, 
and throughout his course, to keep his integrity un- 
tarnished. The strength and grace of God have been 
provided at an infinite sacrifice, that men might be 
victorious over Satan's suggestions and temptations, 
and come forth unsullied. The life, the words, and 
the deportment are the most forcible argument, the 
most solemn appeal, to the careless, irreverent, and 
skeptical. Let the life and character be the strong 
argument for Christianity; then men will be com- 
pelled to take knowledge of you that 3^ou have been 
with Jesus, and have learned of Him. 

Let not medical students be deceived by the wiles 
of the devil or by any of his cunning pretexts which 
so many adopt to beguile and ensnare. Stand firm 
to principle. At every step inquire, ''What saith the 
Lord?" Say firmly, ''I will follow the light. I will 
respect and honor the Majesty of truth." 



The Medical S^fudevf ' 479 

Especially should those who are studying medicine 
in the schools of the world, guard against contamina- 
tion from the evil influences with which they are 
constantly surrounded. When their instructors are 
worldly-wise men, and their fellow-students infidels 
who have no serious thought of God, even Christians 
of experience are in danger of being influenced by 
these irreligious associations. Nevertheless, some have 
gone through the medical course, and have remained 
true to principle. They would not continue their 
studies on the Sabbath; and they have proved that 
men may become qualified for the duties of a phy- 
sician, and not disappoint the expectations of those 
who have encouraged them to obtain an education. 

It is because of these peculiar temptations which 
our youth must meet in worldly medical schools, that 
provision should be made for preparatory and ad- 
vanced medical training in our own schools, under 
Christian teachers. Our larger union conference 
training-schools in various parts of the field should 
be place4 in the most favorable position for quali- 
fying our youth to meet the entrance requirements 
specified by state laws regarding medical students. 
The very best teaching talent should be secured, that 
our schools may be brought up to the proper stand- 
ard. The youth, and those more advanced in years, 
who feel it their duty to fit themselves for work re- 
quiring the passing of certain legal tests, should be 
able to secure at our union conference training- 
schools all that is essential for entrance into a med- 
ical college. 

Prayer will accomplish wonders for those who give 
themselves to prayer, watching thereunto. God de- 



480 Counsels to Teachers 

sires us all to be in a waiting, hopeful position. What 
He has promised. He will do; and inasmuch as there 
are legal requirements making it necessary that med- 
ical students shall take a certain preparatory course 
of study, our colleges should arrange to carry their 
students to the point of literary and scientific train- 
ing that is necessary. 

And not only should our larger training-schools 
give this preparatory instruction to those wdio con- 
template taking a medical course, Imt we must also 
do all tliat is essential for the perfecting of the 
courses of study offered by oui* Loma Linda College 
of IMedical Evangelists. As i)ointed out about the 
time this school was founded, we must ju^ovide that, 
which is essential to qualify our youth who desire to 
be physicians, so that they may intelligently fit them- 
selves to stand the examinations reciuired to prove 
their efficiency as physicians. They should be taught 
to treat understandingly the cases of those who are 
diseased, so that the door will be closed for any sen- 
si])le physician to imagine tliat we are not. giving in 
our school tbe instruction necessary for properly 
qualifying young men and women to do the work of 
a physician. Continually the students who are gradu- 
ated are to advance in knowledge, for practice makes 
perfect. 

The medical school at Loma Linda is to be of the 
highest order, because those who are in tliat school 
have the privilege of maintaining a living connection 
with the wisest of all physicians, from whom there 
is comnumicated knowledge of a superior order. And 
for the special preparation of those of our youth who 
have clear convictions of their dutv to obtain a med- 



The Mcilical Student M 

ical education that will (Mial)]o tlu'iu to i)ass the ex- 
aminations required by law, of all who practise as 
regularly qualified ])liysieians, we are to supply w^hat- 
ever may be recpiii'ed, so that these youth need not 
be compelled to go to medical schools conducted by 
men not of our faith. Thus. we shall close a door that 
the enemy would l)e pleased to have left open; and 
our young men and women, whose spiritual interests 
the Lord desires us to safeguard, will not feel com- 
pelled to connect with unbelievers in order to obtain 
thorough training along medical lines. 

The teachers in our medical college should encour- 
age the students to gain all the know^ledge they can 
in every department. If they find any students de- 
ficient in care-taking, in a comprehension of their 
responsibilities, they should lay the matter frankly 
before such ones, giving them an opportunity to cor- 
rect their habits and to reach a higher standard. 

The teachers should not l)ecome discouraged be- 
cause some are slow^ to learn. Neither should they 
discourage the students when mistakes are made. As 
errors and defects are kindly pointed out, the stu- 
dents in turn should feel grateful for any instruc- 
tion given. A haughty spirit on the part of the 
students should not be encouraged. All should be 
walling to learn, and the teachers should be wdlling 
to instruct, training the students to be self-reliant, 
competent, careful, painstaking. As the students 
study under wdse instructors, and unite with them in 
sharing responsibilities, they may by the aid of the 
teachers climb to the topmost round of the ladder. 

Students should be willing to work under those of 
experience, to heed their suggestions, to follow their 

31 — Coun.sels 



482 Counsels to Teache 



rs 



advice, and to go as far as possible in thought, train- 
ing, and intelligent enterprise ; but they should never 
infringe upon a rule, never disregard one principle, 
that has been interwoven with the upbuilding of the 
institution. The dropping down is easy enough; the 
disregard of regulations 4s natural to the heart in- 
clined to selfish ease and gratification. It is much 
easier to tear down than to build up. One student 
with careless ideas may do more to let down the 
standard, than ten men with all their effort can do 
to counteract the demoralizing influence. 

Failure or success will* be read in the course the 
students pursue. If they stand ready to question 
rules and regulations and order, if they indulge self, 
and by their example encourage a spirit of rebellion, 
give them no place. The institution might better 
close its doors than suffer this spirit to leaven the 
helpers and break down the barriers that it has cost 
thought, effort, and prayer to establish. 

In training workers to care for the sick, let the 
student be impressed with the thought that his high- 
est aim should always be to look after the spiritual 
welfare of his patients. He should learn to repeat 
the promises of God's word, and to offer fervent 
prayers daily, while preparing for service. Help 
him to realize that he is always to keep the sweeten- 
ing, sanctifying influence of the great Medical Mis- 
sionary before his patients. If those who are suf- 
fering can be impressed with the fact that Christ is 
their sympathizing, compassionate Saviour, they will 
have rest of mind, which is so essential to recovery 
of health. 



The Medical Student 483 

IMPORTANCE OF BIBLE STUDY 

If medical students will study the word of God 
diligently, they will be far better prepared to under- 
stand their other studies; for enlightenment always 
comes from an earnest study of the w^ord of God. 
Nothing else will so help to give them a retentive 
memory as a study of the Scriptures. Let our med- 
ical missionary workers understand that the more 
they become acquainted with God and with Christ, 
and the more they become acquainted with Bible his- 
tory, the better prepared will they be to do their 
work. 

Faithful teachers should be placed in charge of 
the Bible classes, teachers wiio will strive to make 
the students understand their lessons, not by ex- 
plaining everything to them, but by requiring them 
to explain clearly every passage they read. Let 
these teachers remember that little good is accom- 
plished by skimming over the surface of the Word. 
Thoughtful investigation and earnest, taxing study 
are necessary to an understanding of this word. 

Christ, the great Medical ]\Iissionary, came to this 
world at infinite sacrifice, to teach men and w^omen 
the lessons that would enable them to know God 
aright. He lived a perfect life, setting an example 
that all may safely follow\ Let our medical students 
study the lessons that Christ has given. It is essen- 
tial that they have a clear understanding of these 
lessons. It w^ould be a fearful mistake for them to 
neglect the study of God's word for a study of 
theories Avhich are misleading, w^hich divert minds 
from the words of Christ to the fallacies of human 



484 Counsels to Teachers 

production. God would have all who profess to be 
gospel medical missionaries learn diligently the les- 
sons of the great Teacher. This they must do if they 
would find rest and i)eace. Learning of Christ, their 
hearts will be filled with the peace that He alone 
can give. 

^lake the Bible the man of your counsel. Your 
acquaintance with it will grow rapidly if you keep 
your minds free from the rubbish of the world. The 
more the Bible is studied, the deeper will be your 
knowledge of God. The truths of His word will be 
written in your soul, making an ineffaceable im- 
pression. 

These things God has been opening before me for 
many years. In our medical missionary training- 
schools we need men who have a deep knowledge of 
the Scriptures, men who can teach these lessons to 
others clearly and simply, just as Christ taught His 
disciples that which He deemed most essential. 

And the needed knowledge will ])e given to all who 
come to Christ, receiving and practising His teach- 
ings, making His word a part of their lives. The 
Holy Spirit teaches the student of the Scriptures to 
judge all things hy the standard of righteousness 
and truth and justice. The divine revelation sup- 
plies him with the knowledge that he needs. Those 
who place themselves under the instruction of the 
great Medical ^Missionary, to be workers together 
with Him, will have a knowledge that the world, 
with all its traditionary lore, cannot supply. 



SPIRITUAL 'aROWTIt 

To every student wlio is seekinii' a medical educa- 
tion I would say. Look l)eyond tlie present. Turn 
away Ironi the transitory things of this life, from 
selfish pursuits and gratifications. For what pur- 
pose are you seeking an education ! Is it not that 
you may relieve suffering humanity ? As the mind 
is enlarged by true knowledge, the heart is warmed 
by a sense of the goodness, compassion, and love of 
God. The soul is filled with an earnest longing to 
tell others how they may co-operate with the great 
]\ faster- worker. You will do much for yourselves as 
you impart the knowledge you receive. Thus you 
will gain more knowledge to impart, and your ability 
to work for God will increase. 

There are those who will suggest to you that in 
order to be successful in your profession you must 
be a policy man ; you )n usf at times depart from strict 
rectitude. These temptations find a ready welcome 
in the heart of man; but I speak that "which I know. 
Do not be deceived or deluded. Do not pamper self. 
Do not throw open a door through which the enemy 
may enter to take possession of the soul. There is 
danger in the first and slightest departure from the 
strictest rectitude. Be true to yourself. Preserve 
your God-given dignity in the fear of God. There 
is great need that every medical worker get hold and 
keep hold of the arm of Infinite Power. 

The policy principle is one that will assuredly 
lead into difficulties. lie who regards the favor of 

[485] 



486 Couiucls to Teachers 

men as more desirable than the favor of God, will 
fall under the temptation to sacrifice principle for 
worldly gain or recognition. Thus fidelity to God 
is constantly being sacrificed. Truth, God's truth, 
must be cherished in the soul and held in the strength 
of heaven, or the power of Satan will wrest it from 
you. Never entertain the thought that an honest, 
truthful physician cannot succeed. Such a sentiment 
dishonors the God of truth and righteousness. He 
can succeed; for he has God and heaven on his side. 
Let every bribe to dissimulate be sternly refused. 
Hold fast your integrity in the strength of the grace 
of Christ, and He will fulfil His word to you. 

The medical student, however young, has access 
to the God of Daniel. Through divine grace and 
power he may become as efficient in his calling as 
Daniel was in his exalted position. But it is a mis- 
take to make a scientific preparation the all-important 
thing, while religious principles which lie at the very 
foundation of a successful practice are neglected. 
Many are lauded as skilful men in their profession 
who scorn the thought that they need to rely upon 
Christ for wisdom in their work. But if these men 
who trust in their knowledge of science were illumi- 
nated by the light of heaven, to how much greater 
excellence might they attain! How much stronger 
would be their powers, with how much greater con- 
fidence could they undertake difficult cases! The 
man who is closely connected with the great Physi- 
cian has the resources of heaven and earth at his 
command, and he can work with a wisdom, an 
unerring precision, that the godless man cannot 
possess. 



Spirihtal Growth 487 

Like Enoch, the physician should be a man who 
walks with God. This will be to him a safeguard 
against all the delusive, pernicious sentiments which 
make so many infidels and skeptics. The truth of 
God, practised in the life and constantly guiding in 
all that concerns the interests of others, will barri- 
cade the soul with heavenly principles. God will 
not be unmindful of our struggles to maintain the 
truth. When we place every word that proceeds out 
of the mouth of God above worldly policy, above all 
the assertions of erring, failing man, we shall be 
guided into every good and holy way. 

The Christian physician, in his acceptance of the 
truth by his baptismal vows, has pledged himself to 
represent Christ, the Physician-in- Chief. But if he 
does not keep strict guard over himself, if he allows 
the barriers against sin to be broken down, Satan 
will overcome him with specious temptations. There 
wdll be a blemish in his character that by its evil 
influence will mould other minds. The moral palsy 
of sin will not only destroy the soul of the one who 
departs from strict principles, but will have the 
power to reproduce in others the same evil. 

It is not safe to be occasional Christians. We must 
be Christlike in our actions all the time. Then, 
through grace, we are safe for time and for eternity. 
The experimental knowledge of the power of grace 
received in times of trial is of more value than gold 
or silver. It confirms the faith of the trusting, be- 
lieving one. The assurance that Jesus is to him an 
ever-present helper, gives him a boldness that enables 
him to take God at His word, and trust Him with un- 
wavering faith under the most trying circumstances. 



488 Counsels to Teachers 

Our only security against falling into sin is to 
keep ourselves constantly under the moulding influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit, at the same time engaging 
actively in the cause of truth and righteousness, dis- 
charging every God-given duty, Init taking no burden 
that God has not laid upon us. Physicians and med- 
ical students must stand firm under the banner of the 
third angel 's message, . fighting the good fight of 
faith, perseveringly and successfully, relying not on 
their own wisdom, but on the wisdom of God, put- 
ting on the heavenly armor, the equipment of God's 
word, never forgetting that they have a Leader who 
never has been and never can be overcome by evil. 

To every medical student who desires to be an 
honor to the cause of God during the closing scenes 
of this earth's history, I would say: Behold Christ, 
the Sent of God, who, in this world and in human 
nature, lived a pure, noble, perfect life, setting an 
example that all may safely follow. The Lord is 
reaching out His hand to save. Eespond to His 
invitation, "Let him take hold of My strength, that 
he may make peace with ]\Ie ; and he shall make peace 
with Me." Isa, 27:5. . . . Hoav eagerly the Sav- 
iour will take the trembling hand in His own, hold- 
ing it with a warm, firm grasp, until the feet are 
placed on vantage-ground! . . . 

Trust in Hiui who understands your weakness. 
Keep close to the side of Christ ; for the enemy stands 
ready to take captive every one who is off his 
guard. ... 

It is young men whom the Lord claims as His 
helping hand. Samuel was a mere child when the 
Lord used him to do a good and gracious work. . . . 



Spirihial Growl It 489 

GatluM" to your soul tlu' light of the word of God. 
Reineinlxn- that (hiy by (hiy you arc building char- 
acter for tiiiu" and for ctcM'uity. The teaching of the 
Bible in regard to character-building is very explicit. 
''Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the 
name of the Lord Jesus." Col. 3:17. Place your- 
self under His control, and then ask for His protect- 
ing ])ower. He gave His life for you. Do not cause 
Him sorrow. Be guarded in all that you say and 
do. Christ wants you to be to other young men His 
representative, His delegated gospel medical mis- 
sionary. 

Remember that in your life, religion is not merely 
one influence among others; it is to be an influence 
dominating all others. Be strictly temperate. Resist 
every temptation. IMake no concessions to the wily 
foe. Listen not to the suggestions that he puts into 
the mouths of men and women. You have a victory 
to win. You have nobility of character to gain. . . . 

Jesus loves you. . . . His great heart of infinite 
tenderness yearns over 3^ou. . . . You may stand 
where you regard yourself, not as a failure, but as 
a conqueror, in and through the uplifting influence 
of the Spirit of God. Take hold of the hand of 
Christ, and do not let it go. 

You may be a great blessing to others if you will 
give yourself unreservedly to the Lord's service. 
Power from on high will be given you if you will 
take your position on the Lord's side. Through 
Christ you can escape the corruption that is in 
the world through lust, and be a noble example 
of wdiat He can do for those who co-operate with 
Him. . . . 



490 Counsels to Teachers 

God's purpose for us is that we shall ever move 
upward. Even in the smaller duties of common life, 
we are to make continual growth in grace, supplied 
with high and holy motives, powerful because they 
proceed from One who gave His life to furnish us 
with the incentive to be wholly successful in the for- 
mation of Christian character. . . . You are to be 
strong in the strength of God, grounded in the hope 
of the gospel. . . . 

Arise in your God-given dignity, living the truth 
in its purity. Christ is ready to pardon you, to take 
away your sins and make you free. He is ready to 
purify your heart, and give you the sanctification 
of His Spirit. As you commit yourself to His service. 
He will be at your right hand to help you. Day by 
day you will be strengthened and ennobled. Look- 
ing to the Saviour for help, you will be a conqueror, 
yes, more than a conqueror, over the temptations that 
beset you. You will become more and more like 
Christ. The angels of heaven will rejoice to see 
you standing on the Lord's side, in righteousness 
and true holiness. . . . 

Become all that the Lord desires you to be, — a 
gospel medical missionary. You are to be not only 
an increasingly skilful physician, but one of the 
Lord's appointed missionaries, in all your work plac- 
ing His service first. Let nothing mar your peace. 
Give your heart's best and holiest affections to Him 
who gave His life that you might be among the re- 
deemed family in the heavenly courts. Striving for 
the crown of life will not make you dissatisfied or 
less useful. The great Teacher desires to acknowl- 
edge 3^ou as His helping hand. He calls for your 



t<piriliial Growth 491 

co-operation. Will you not now give Him all that you 
have and are? Will you not consecrate your talents 
to His service? 

This life is yoiir sowing-tiiiie. Will you not pledge 
yourself to God, that your seed-sowing shall be that 
which will produce, not tares, ])ut a harvest of wheat? 
God will work with you; He will increase your use- 
fulness. He has entrusted to you talents that in His 
strength you may use to produce a precious harvest. 

To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to 
reveal the attributes of Christ, angels are commis- 
sioned to give enlarged views of His character and 
work, His power and grace and love. Thus they be- 
come partakers of His nature, and day by day grow 
up to the full stature of men and women in Christ. 
The sanctification of the Spirit is seen in thought, 
word, and deed. Their ministry is life and salva- 
tion to all with whom they associate. Of such ones 
it is declared, ''Ye are complete in Him." Col. 2 : 10. 



-<5>- 



The physician's example, no less than his teach- 
ing, should be a positive power on the right side. 
The cause of reform calls for men and women whose 
life practice is an illustration of self-control. It is 
our practice of the principles w^e inculcate that gives 
them weight. The world needs a practical demon- 
stration of what the grace of God can do in restor- 
ing to human beings their lost kingship, giving them 
mastery of themselves. There is nothing that the 
world needs so much as a knowledge of the gospel's 
saving power revealed in Christlike lives. — '^Minis- 
try of Healing," pp. 132, 133. 



492 Counsels to Teachers 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



A Call for Gospel Medical D. of A., pp. 821-828. 

Missionaries Test. Vol. 6, pp. 8.3, 84, 288- 

303, 377. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 110-114. 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 158-162, 163- 

171, 185-191, 201-212. 
Test. Vol. 9, pp. 167-178. 

The Medical Student M. of H., pp. 1-50, 111-160, 

219-286. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 439-449. 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 229-234, 243- 

253. 
Test. Vol. 7, pp. 72-75. 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 156, 157. 



A MISSIONARY TRAINING 



With such an army of workers as our 
youth, rightly trained, might furnish, 
how soon the message of a crucified, 
risen, and soon-coming Saviour might 
be carried to the whole world ! 



EDUCATION A FITTING FOR SERVICE 

The true object of education is to fit men and 
women for service by developing and bringing into 
active exercise all their faculties. The work at our 
colleges and training-schools should be strengthened 
year by year; for in them our youth are to be pre- 
pared to go forth to serve the Lord as efficient la- 
borers. The Lord calls upon the youth to enter our 
schools, and quickly fit themselves for active work. 
Time is short. Workers for Christ are needed every- 
where. Urgent inducements should be held out to 
tliose who ought now to ])e engaged in earnest effort 
for the ^Master. 

Our schools have been established by the Lord ; and 
if they are conducted in harmony with His purpose, 
the youth sent to them will ])e quickly prepared to 
engage in various branches of missionary work. Some 
will be trained to enter the field as missionary nurses, 
some as canvassers, some as evangelists, and some as 
gospel ministers. Some are to be prepared to take 
charge of church schools, in which the children shall 
be taught the first principles of education. This is 
a very important work, demanding high ability and 
careful study. 

1.493] 



494 Counsels io Teachers 

Satan is trying to lead men and women away from 
right principles. The enemy of all good, he desires 
to see human beings so trained that they will exert 
their influence on the side of error, instead of using 
their talents to bless their fellow-men. And multi- 
tudes who profess to belong to God's true church are 
falling under his deceptions. They are being led to 
turn away from their allegiance to the King of 
heaven. 

The signs which show that Christ's coming is near 
are fast fulfilling. The Lord calls upon our youth to 
labor as canvassers and evangelists, to do house-to- 
house work in places where the truth has not yet been 
proclaimed. He speaks to our young men, saying, 
' ' Ye are not your own ; for ye are bought with a price : 
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your 
spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. Those 
who go forth into the work under the Master's direc- 
tion will be wonderfully blessed. 

The Lord calls for volunteers who will take their 
stand firmly on His side, and will pledge themselves to 
unite with Jesus of Nazareth in doing the work that 
needs to be done now, just now. The talents of God's 
people are to be employed in giving the last message 
of mercy to the world. The Lord calls upon those 
connected with our schools and sanitariums and pub- 
lishing houses, to teach the youth to do evangelistic 
work. Our time and money must not be so largely 
employed in establishing sanitariums, food factories, 
food stores, and restaurants, that other lines of work 
shall be neglected. Young men and women who 
should be engaged in the ministry, in Bible work, and 



Ed u cat ion a Filling for Service 495 

in the Ccinvassiug work, should not be bound down 
to mechanical employment. 

It is to fortify the youth against the temptations 
of the enemy that we have established schools where 
they may be qualified for usefulness in this life and 
for the service of God throughout eternity. Those 
who have an eye single to God's glory will earnestly 
desire to fit themselves for special service; for the 
love of Christ will have a controlling influence upon 
them. This love imparts more than finite energy, 
and qualifies human beings for divine achievement. 

Christ's labor for humanity 

The work of those who love God will make mani- 
fest the character of their motives; for the saving of 
those for whom Christ has paid an infinite price will 
l)e the object of their efforts. All other considera- 
tions — home, family, enjoyment — will be made 
secondary to the work of God; they will follow the 
example of Him who showed His love for fallen man 
by leaving a heaven of bliss and the homage of the 
angels, to come to this world. The Saviour worked 
with unwearied effort to help human beings. He 
stopped at no sacrifice, hesitated at no self-denial; 
for our sakes He became poor, that through His pov- 
erty we might be made rich. His sympathy for the 
lost led Him to seek them wherever they were. And 
His co-laborers must work as He worked, hesitating 
not to seek for the fallen, deeming no effort too tax- 
ing, no sacrifice too great, if they may but win souls 
to Christ. He who would be an efficient worker for 
God must be willing to endure what Christ endured, 
to meet men as He met them. 



496 CoKii.sels to Teachers 

That education aloue ^vllicll brings the student into 
close relation Avith the great Teaelier, is true educa- 
tion. The youth are to be taught to look to^ Christ 
as their guide. They are to be taught lessons of for- 
bearance and trust, of true goodness and kindness 
of heart, of perseverance and steadfastness. Their 
characters are to answer to the words of David : 
''That our sons may be as plants grown up in their 
youth ; that oui- daughters may be as corner-stones, 
polished after the similitude of a palace." Ps. 144 : 12. 

The converted student has broken the chain which 
bound him to the service of sin, and has placed him- 
self in right relation to God. His name is enrolled 
in the Lamb's book of life. He is under solemn ob- 
ligation to renounce evil, and come under the juris- 
diction of heaven. Through earnest prayer he is to 
cleave to Christ. To neglect this devotion, to refuse, 
this service, is to become the sport of Satan's wiles. 

While cultivating the mind, the student should also 
cultivate uprightness of heart and loyalty to God, 
tliat he may develop a character like tluit of Joseph. 
Then he will scorn tlie thought of yielding to tempta- 
tion, fearing to sully his purity. Like Daniel, he 
will resolve to })e true to principle, and to make the 
very best use of the powers with which God lias en- 
dowed him. 

LONG COURSES OF STUDY 

There are many who think that in order to be fitted 
for acceptable service, they must go through a long 
course of study under learned teachers in some school 
of the world. This they must do, it is true, if they 
desire to secure what the world calls education. lUit 



Education a Fitting [or Service 497 

we do not say to our youth, Study, study, keeping 
your mind all the time on l)ooks. Nor do we say to 
them. You nuist spend your time in school in ac- 
quiring the so-called "higher education." The cause 
of God needs experienced workers. But we should 
not think that we must climb to the highest round 
of knowledge in every science. Time is short, and 
we must labor earnestly for souls. If students will 
study the word of God diligently and prayerfully, 
they will find the knowledge that they need. 

It is not necessary that all know several languages; 
but it is necessary that all have an experience in the 
things of God. I do not say that there should be 
no study of the languages. The languages should 
])e studied. Before long there will be a positive ne- 
cessity for many to leave their homes, and go to work 
among people of other tongues; and those who have 
some knowledge of these languages will be able to 
communicate with those who do not know the truth. 

THE CHARACTER OF TEACHERS 

The well-being, the happiness, the religious life of 
the families with which the youth are connected, the 
prosperity and piety of the church of which they are 
members, are largely dependent upon the religious 
education that they receive in our schools. Because 
our schools have been established for so high and holy 
a purpose, the teachers should be men and women 
whose lives are purified by the grace of Christ, who 
are cultured in mind and refined in manners. And 
they should have a vivid sense of the perils of this 
time, and the work that must be accomplished to 
prepare a people to stand in the day of God. They 

32 — Counsels 



498 Counsels to Teachers 

should ever pursue a course that will command the 
respect of their students. The youth have a right 
to expect that a Christian teacher will reach a high 
standard, and they will pass severe judgment upon 
him if he does not. 

The teachers in our schools will need to manifest 
Christlike love, forbearance, and wisdom. Students 
will come to school who have no definite purpose, no 
fixed principles, no realization of the claim that God 
has upon them. These are to be led to awake to their 
responsibilities. They must be taught to appreciate 
their opportunities, and to become examples of in- 
dustry, sobriety, and helpfulness. Under the influence 
of wise teachers, the indolent may be led to arouse, 
the thoughtless to become serious. Through painstak- 
ing effort, the most unpromising student may be so 
trained and disciplined that he will go forth from 
tlie school with high motives and noble principles, 
prepared to be a successful light-bearer in the dark- 
ness of the world. 

Patient, conscientious teachers are needed to arouse 
hope and aspiration in the youth, to help them to real- 
ize the possibilities lying before them. Teachers are 
needed who will train their students to do service for 
the Master; who will carry them forward from one 
point to another in intellectual and spiritual attain- 
ment. Teachers should strive to realize the greatness 
of their work. They need enlarged views; for their 
work, in its importance, ranks with that of the Chris- 
tian minister. With persevering faith they are to 
hold to the Infinite One, saying as did Jacob, "I will 
not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Gen. 32: 26. 



Education a Fitting for Service 499 

OFFERING TO GOD OUR BEST 

Students are to offer to God nothing less than their 
best. Mental effort will become easier and more satis- 
factory as they set themselves to the task of under- 
standing the deep things of God. Each should decide 
that he will not be a second-rate student, that he will 
not allow others to think for him. He should say, 
''That which other minds have acquired in the sci- 
ences and in the word of God, I will acquire through 
painstaking effort." He should rally the best powers 
of the mind, and with a sense of his accountability to 
God, do his best to conquer difficulties. And as far 
as possible, he should seek the society of those who 
are able to help him, who can detect his mistakes, and 
put him on his guard against indolence, pretense, and 
surface work. 

The true motive of service is to be kept before 
students. The training they receive is to help them 
to develop into useful men and women. Every means 
that will uplift and ennoble them is to be employed. 
They are to be taught to use their powers in harmony 
with God's will. The influence exerted by a true, 
pure life is ever to be kept before them. This will 
aid them in their preparation for service. Daily they 
will grow stronger, better prepared, through the grace 
of Christ and a study of His word, to put forth ag- 
gressive efforts against evil. 



■<s>- 



No other knowledge is so firm, so consistent, so far- 
reaching, as that obtained from the study of God's 
word. Here is the fountain of all true knowledge. 



GAINING EFFICIENCY 

The third angel is represented as flying in the midst 
of heaven, showing that the message is to go through- 
out the length and breadth of the earth. It is the most 
solemn message ever given to mortals, and all who 
propose to connect themselves with the work should 
first feel their need of an education, of a most thor- 
ough training. Plans should be made and efforts put 
forth for the improvement of those who anticipate 
entering any branch of the work. 

Ministerial labor should not be entrusted to boys, 
neither should the work of giving Bible readings be 
entrusted to young girls, because they offer their serv- 
ices, and are willing to take responsible positions, 
while they are wanting in religious experience, and 
lack a thorough education and training. They must 
be proved; for unless they develop a firm, conscien- 
tious principle to be all that God would have them be, 
they will not correctly represent His cause. All who 
are engaged in the work, in every mission, should 
gain a depth of experience. Those who are young in 
the work should have the help of such as have had 
experience, and understand the manner of working. 
Missionary operations are constantly embarrassed for 
want of workers of the right class of mind, — workers 
who have devotion and piety that will correctly rep- 
resent our faith. 

There are many who ought to become missionaries, 
but who never enter the field because those who are 
united with them in church capacity or in our colleges 
[500] 



Gaining Efficiency 501 

do not feel the ])nrdeu to lal)or with them, to open 
before theiu the ehiinis of God upon all their powers, 
and do not pray with and for them. The eventful 
period which decides the course of life passes, their 
convictions are stifled, other influences and induce- 
ments attract them, and temptations to seek positions 
that will, they think, bring them financial gain, take 
them into the worldly current. These young men 
might have been saved to the cause. 

Our schools are to be training-schools. If men and 
w^omen come forth from them fitted in any sense for 
the missionar}^ field, they must ])e led to realize the 
greatness of the work ; practical godliness must be 
brought into their daily experience, if they would 
be fitted for any place of usefulness in the cause 
of God. . . . 

THE SCIIOOI. TO CONTINUE THE WORK OF THE HOME 

Those ^vho attend our colleges are to have a train- 
ing different from that given by the common schools 
of the day. Our youth generally, if they have wise. 
God-fearing parents, have been taught the principles 
of Christianity. The word of God has been respected 
in their homes, and its teachings have been made the 
law of life. They have been brouglit up in the nur- 
ture and admonition of the gospel. When they enter 
school, this same education and training is to con- 
tinue. The world's maxims, the world's customs 
and practices, are not the teaching that they need. 
Let them see that the teachers in the school care for 
their souls, that they have a decided interest in their 
spiritual welfare. Religion is the great i)rinciple to 



502 Counsels to Teachers 

be inculcated; for the fear of God is the beginning 
of wisdom. . . . 

PLEASURE IN RELIGION 

Wherever a school is established, there should be 
warm hearts to take a lively interest in the youth. 
Fathers and mothers are needed Avho Avill give warm 
sympathy and kindly admonitions. All the pleasant- 
ness possible should be brought into the religious 
exercises. Those who prolong these exercises to weari- 
ness, are leaving wrong impressions upon the minds 
of the youth, leading them to associate religion with 
tliat which is dry, unsocial, and uninteresting. . . . 
Ardent, active piety in the teacher is essential. Unless 
constant care is exercised, and unless vitalized by the 
Spirit of God, the morning and evening service in the 
chapel, and the Sabbath meetings, will become dry 
and formal, and to the youth the most burdensome 
and the least attractive of the school exercises. The 
social meetings should l3e managed in such a way as 
to make them seasons not only of profit, but of posi- 
tive pleasure. 

Let those who teach the youth study for themselves 
in the school of Christ, and learn lessons to communi- 
cate to their students. Sincere, earnest, heartfelt de- 
votion is needed. All narrowness should be avoided. 
Let the teacher so far unbend from his dignity as to 
be one with the children in their exercises and amuse- 
ments, without leaving the impression that they are 
being watched. His very presence with them will 
give a mould to their actions, and will cause his heart 
to throb with new affection. 



Gaining Efficiency 503 

The j^outh need sympathy, affection, and love, or 
they will become discouraged. A spirit of " I care for 
nobody and nobody cares for me" takes possession of 
them. They may profess to be followers of Christ, 
])ut they have a tempting devil on their track, and 
they are in danger of becoming disheartened and luke- 
warm, and of backsliding from God. Then some feel 
it a duty to blame them, and to treat them coldly, as 
if they were a great deal worse than they really are. 
Pew, perhaps none, feel it their duty to make personal 
efforts to reform them, and to remove the unhappy 
impressions that have been made upon them. 

The teacher's obligations are weighty and sacred, 
but no part of his work is more important than that 
o\' looking after the youth with tender, loving solici- 
1ude. Let the teacher once gain the confidence of his 
students, and he can easily lead and control and train 
them. The holy motives that underlie Christian living 
must be brought into the life. The salvation of his 
pupils is the highest interest entrusted to the God- 
fearing teacher. He is Christ's co-worker, and his 
special and determined effort should be to win them to 
Christ. God will require this at his hands. 

Every teacher should lead a life of piety, of purity, 
of painstaking effort. If the heart is glowing with 
the love of God, there will be seen in the life that 
pure affection which is essential; fervent prayers 
will be offered and faithful warnings given. When 
these are neglected, the souls under his care are 
endangered. . . . 

And yet, after all these efforts have been made, 
teachers may find that some will develop unprinci- 
pled characters. They are lax in morals, the re- 



504 Counsels to Teachers 

suit, in many cases, of vicious example and lack of 
parental discipline. Though teachers may do all 
they can, they will fail to lead these youth to a life 
of purity and holiness. After patient discipline, af- 
fectionate labor, and fervent prayer, they will be 
disappointed by those from whom they have hoped 
for much. In addition to this, they will meet the re- 
proaches of the parents because they have not had 
power to counteract the influence of the wrong ex- 
ample and unwise training received in the home. 
But in spite of these discouragements, the teacher 
must work on, trusting in God to work with him, 
standing at his post manfully, and laboring in faith. 
Others will be saved to God, and their influence will 
bo exerted in saving still others. . . . 

SETTING A HIGH STANDARD 

What is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. 
While religion should be the prevailing element in 
every school, it Avill not lead to a cheapening of the 
literary attainments. It will make all true Christians 
feel their need of thorough knowledge, that they may 
make the best use of the faculties ])estowed upon 
them. While growing in grace and in a knowledge 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will seek constantly 
to put to the stretch their i)owers of mind, that they 
may become intelligent Christians. 

The Lord is dishonored by low ideas or designs on 
our part. lie who does not perceive the binding 
claims of God's law, who neglects to keep its every 
requirement, violates the whole law. He who is con- 
tent to meet only partially the standard of right- 
eousness, and who does not triumph over every 



dtiininff E/Jiricnc!/ 505 

.s|)iri1u.il I'oc, will ii(»t ruKil llio purpose of Christ, 
lie (•li("ap(>ns the whole plan of* his religious \\U), and 
weakens his character. TiKlcr the force of tempta- 
tion his (Icfccts of character gain the supremacy, and 
evil ti'iiim|)hs. 

To meet Ihe highest standard ])ossihl(;, we need to 
])e persevering and (h'termined. in many cases estah- 
lished hal)its and ideas must he overcome, hefori! we 
can make advancement in the religious lil'e. . . . 'JMie 
essential work is to conforin the tastes, the apptitites, 
the i)assions, the motives, the; desires, to the great 
standard of righteousness. The work must hegin in 
the heart. Unhiss the heai't is wholly conforimMl to 
Christ's will, some master-passion, or some liahit or 
defect, will hecome a power to destroy. 

riety and religious experience lie at the very foun- 
dation of true education. God wants the teachers in 
our schools to ])e efficient. If they advance in spiritual 
understanding, they will see how important it is that 
they should not he deficient in a knowledge of the 
sciences. While teachers need piety, they also need a 
thorough knowledge of the sciences. . . . 

The Christian aims to reach the highest attainments 
for the i)ur])os(i of doing others good. Knowledge 
harmoniously hlended with a Christlike character will 
iriake a man a light in the world. Cod works with 
human efforts. Tiiosci who give all diligence to make 
their calling and election sure, will feel that a super- 
ficial knowledge will not fit them foi- a [)osition of 
usefulness. Education halanced hy a solid religious 
experience, fits the child of God to do liis ap[)ointed 
work steadily, firmly, understandingly. Il(; who is 
h.'arning of tin; great(.'st Educator llu; world ever 



506 Counsels to Teachers 

knew, will have not only a symmetrical Christian 
character, but a mind trained for effective labor. . . . 

God does not want us to be content with lazy, 
undisciplined minds, dull thoughts, and loose mem- 
ories. He wants every teacher to feel dissatisfied 
with simpl}^ a measure of success, and to realize his 
need of constant diligence in acquiring knowledge. 
Our bodies and souls -belong to God; for He has 
])ought them. He has given us talents, and has made 
it possible for us to acquire more, that we may be 
able to help ourselves and others in the way of life. 
It is the work of each one to develop and strengthen 
the gifts that God has lent him. If all realized this, 
what a vast difference we should see in our schools, 
in our churches, and in our missions ! But the 
Jarger number are content with a meager knowledge, 
a few attainments, content just to be passable. The 
necessity of being men like Daniel, men of influence, 
jiien whose characters have become harmonious by 
working to bless humanity and glorify God, — such 
a need few feel, and the result is that there are few 
fitted for the great want of the times. 

God does not ignore ignorant men; but if such 
are connected with Christ, if they are sanctified 
through the truth, they will be constantly gathering 
knowledge. By exerting every power to glorify God, 
they will have increased power with which to glorify 
Him. Those who are willing to remain in a narrow 
sphere because God condescended to accept them 
when they were there, are very foolish. Yet there 
are hundreds and thousands who are doing this very 
thing. 



EFFICIENCY THROUGH SERVICE 

God will accomplish a great work through the trutjj^^ 
if devoted, self-sacrificing men will give themselves 
unreservedly to the work of presenting it to those in 
darkness. Those who have a knowledge of the truth 
and are consecrated to God, should avail themselves of 
every opportunity to proclaim the message for this 
time. Angels of God are moving upon the hearts and 
consciences of the people of other nations, and honest 
souls are troubled as they witness the signs of the 
times in the unsettled state of the nations. The in- 
(piiry arises in their hearts, What will be the end of 
mU tliese things? 

But while God and angels are working to impress 
hearts, the servants of Christ seem to be asleep. Few 
are working in unison with the heavenly messengers. 
All who are Christians should be workers in the 
vineyard of the Lord. They should be wide awake, 
zealously laboring for the salvation of their fellow- 
men, and should follow the example that the Saviour 
has given them in His life of self-denial, sacrifice, 
and earnest effort. 

God has honored us by making us the depositaries 
of His law; and if ministers and people were suffi- 
ciently aroused, they would not rest in indifference. 
We have been entrusted with truths of vital impor- 
tance, which are to test the world; and yet in our 
own country there are cities, villages, and towns that 
have never heard the warning message. 

Young men are aroused by the appeals that are 
made for help in the great work of God, and they 

L507] 



508 Counsels to Teachers 

make some advance moves, but the burden does not 
rest upon them with sufficient weight to lead them to 
accomplish what they might. They are willing to do 
^ small work, which does not require special effort. 
Therefore they do not learn to place their whole de- 
pendence upon God, and by living faith draw from 
the great Source of light and strength, that their ef- 
forts may prove wholly successful. 

Young men should be qualifying themselves for 
service by becoming familiar with other languages, 
that God may use them as mediums through which to 
communicate His saving truth to those of other na- 
tions. These young men may o])tain a knowledge of 
other languages even while engaged in laboring for 
sinners. If they are economical of their time, they 
can improve their minds, and qualify themselves for 
more extended usefulness. 

It will make our young men strong to go- into new 
fields and break up the fallow ground of human 
hearts. This work will draw them nearer to God. 
It will help them to see that of themselves they are 
altogether inefficient, that thej^ must be wholly the 
Lord's. They must put away their self-esteem and 
self-importance, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. 
When they do this, they will lie willing to go without 
the camp, and bear the burden as good soldiers of the 
cross. They will gain efficiency and ability by master- 
ing difficulties and overcoming obstacles. Men are 
wanted for responsible positions, but they must be 
men who have given full proof of their ministry, in 
willingness to wear the yoke of Christ. 



THE EDUCATION :\rOST ESSENTIAL FOR 
GOSPEL WORKERS 

There are Christian workers who have not received 
a collegiate education, because it was impossible for 
them to secure this advantage ; but God has given evi- 
dence that He has chosen them, and ordained them to 
go forth and labor in His vineyard. He has made 
them effectual co-workers with Himself. T^ey have 
a teachable spirit; they feel their dependence upon 
God; and the Holy Spirit is with them to help their 
infirmities. It quickens and energizes the mind, di- 
rects the thoughts, and aids in the presentation of 
truth. 

When the laborer stands before the people to hold 
forth the words of life, there is heard in his voice the 
echo of the voice of Christ. It is evident that he walks 
with God, that he has been with Jesus and learned of 
Him. He has brought the truth into the inner sanc- 
tuary of the soul ; it is to him a living reality ; and he 
presents the truth in demonstration of the Spirit 
and of power. The people hear the joyful sound; 
God speaks to their hearts through the man conse- 
crated to His service. 

As the worker lifts up Jesus through the Spirit, he 
becomes really eloquent. He is earnest and sincere, 
and is beloved by those for whom he labors. What a 
sin would rest upon any one who would listen to 
such a man merely to criticize, to notice bad gram- 
mar or incorrect pronunciation, and hold these errors 
up to ridicule! . . . 

[509] 



510 Counsels to Teachers 

The speaker who has not a thorough education may 
sometimes fall into errors of grammar or pronuncia- 
tion ; he may not employ the most eloquent expressions 
or the most beautiful imagery; but if he has himself 
eaten of the bread of life, if he has drunk of the foun- 
tain of life, he can feed hungry souls, and give of the 
water of life to him that is athirst. His defects will 
be forgiven and forgotten. His hearers will not be- 
come weary or disgusted, but will thank God for the 
message of grace sent them through His servant. 

. SELF-IMPROVEMEN.T IN WORKERS 

If the worker has consecrated himself fully to God, 
and is diligent in prayer for strength and heavenly 
wisdom, the grace of Christ will be his teacher, and 
he will overcome his defects, and become more and 
more intelligent in the things of God. But let none 
take license from this to be indolent, to sijuander 
time and o[)portunities, and neglect the training that 
is essential in order to become efficient. The Lord is 
not pleased with those who, having had opportunities 
to obtain knowledge, neglect to improve the jirivileges 
1)1 need within their reach. . . . 

Above all other people on the earth, the man whose 
mind is enlightened by the word of God will feel 
that he must give himself to greater diligence in the 
l)erusal of the Bible, and to a diligent study of the 
sciences; for his hope and his calling are greater 
than any other. The more closely man is connected 
with the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, the 
more he can be helped intellectually as well as spir- 
itually. The knowledge of God is the essential edu- 
cation, and this knowledge every true worker will 
make it his constant study to obtain. 



'^ ACCORDING TO THAT A MAN HATH" 

God can and Avill use those who have not had a 
thorough education in the schools of men. A doul)t 
of His power to do this is manifest unbelief. Ouv 
Saviour did not ignore learning or despise education ; 
yet He chose unlearned fishermen for the work of the 
gospel, because they had not been schooled in the false 
customs and traditions of the world. They were men 
of good natural ability, and of a humble, teachable 
spirit; men whom He could educate for His great 
work. 

In the common walks of life there is many a toiler 
patiently treading the round of his daily tasks, uncon- 
scious of latent powers that, roused to action, would 
place him among the world's great leaders. The touch 
of a skilful hand is needed to arouse and develop those 
dormant faculties. It was such men whom Jesus con- 
nected with Himself; and He gave them the advan- 
tages of three years' training under His own care. 
No course of study in the schools of the rabbis or the 
lialls of philosophy could have equaled this in value. 

A life devoted to God should not be a life of igno- 
rance. Many speak against education because Jesus 
chose uneducated fishermen to preach the gospel. 
They assert that He showed preference for the unedu- 
cated. But there w^ere many learned and honorable 
men who believed the teaching of Christ. Had these 
fearlessly obeyed the convictions of their consciences, 
they would have followed Him. Their abilities would 
have been accepted, and employed in the service of 

[511] 



51^ Counsels to Teachers 

Christ, had they offered them. But they had not 
moral power, in face of the frowning priests and 
jealous rulers, to confess Christ, and venture their 
reputation in connection with the humble Galilean. 

He who knows the hearts of all, understood this. If 
the educated and noble would not do the work they 
were qualified to do, Christ would select men who 
^vould be obedient and faithful in doing His will. 
He chose humble men and connected them with Him- 
self, that He might educate them to carry forward 
tlie great work on earth when He should leave it. 

Christ was the light of the world. He was the foun- 
tain of all knowledge. He was able to qualify the un- 
learned fishermen to carry out the high commission 
He would give them. The lessons of truth given these 
lowly men were of mighty significance. They were to 
move the world. It seemed but a simple thing for 
Jesus to connect these humble persons with Himself; 
but it was an event productive of tremendous results. 
Their words and their works were to revolutionize the 
world. 

God will accept the youth with their talent and 
their wealth of affection, if they will consecrate them- 
selves to Him. They may reach to the highest point 
of intellectual greatness ; and if balanced by religious 
principle, they can carry forward the work which 
Christ came from heaven to accomplish. 

The students at our colleges have valuable privi- 
leges, not only of obtaining a knowledge of the 
sciences, but also of learning how to cultivate and 
l>ractise virtues which will give them symmetrical 
characters. They are God's responsible moral agents. 
The talents of Avealth, station, and intellect are given 



^^ According to That a Man Hath'' 5l3 

of God iu trust to man for his wise improvement. 
These varied trusts He has distributed proportion- 
ately to the known powers and capacities of His 
servants, to every man his work. 

And the Giver expects returns according to the gifts. 
The humblest gift is not to be despised. Every one 
has his peculiar sphere and vocation. He who makes 
the most of his God-given opportunities will return 
to the Giver, in their improvement, an interest pro- 
portionate to the entrusted capital. 

The Lord does not reward the large amount of labor. 
He does not regard the greatness of the work so much 
as the fidelity with which it is done. The good and 
faithful servant is rewarded. As w^e cultivate the 
l)Owers God has given us, we shall increase in know^l- 
edge and perception. 

Perseverance in the acquisition of knowledge, con- 
trolled by the fear and love of God, will give the youth 
increased power for good in this life; and those who 
make the most of their opportunities to reach high 
attainments, will take these attainments with them 
into the future life. They have sought and obtained 
that which is imperishable. The ability to appreciate 
the glories that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard" 
(1 Cor. 2:9), will be proportionate to the attainments 
reached. 

Those who empty their hearts of vanity and rub- 
bish, through the grace of God may purify the min^, 
and make it a storehouse of knowledge, purity, and 
truth. And it will be continually reaching beyond 
the narrow boundaries of w^orldly thought, into the 
vastness of the infinite. 

33 — Counsels 



YOUNG MEN AS MISSIONARIES 

Young men who desire to enter the field as min- 
isters, colporteurs, or canvassers, should first receive 
a suitable degree of mental training, as well as a 
special preparation for their calling. Those who are 
uneducated, untrained, and unrefined are not pre- 
pared to enter a field in which the powerful influences 
of talent and education combat the truths of God's 
word. Neither can they successfully meet the strange 
forms of error, religious and philosophical combined, 
to expose which requires a knowledge of scientific as 
well as scriptural truth. 

Those especially who have the ministry in view, 
sliould feel the importance of the scriptural method 
oP ministerial training. They should enter heartily 
into the work, and while they study in the schools, 
they should learn of the great Teacher the meekness 
and humility of Christ. A covenant-keeping God has 
promised that in answer to prayer Ilis Spirit shall be 
poured out upon these learners in the school of Christ, 
that they may become ministers of righteousness. 

There is hard work to be done in dislodging error 
and false doctrine from the head, that Bible truth and 
Bible religion may find a place in the heart. It was 
ai a means ordained of God to educate young men and 
women for the various departments of missionary 
labor, that colleges were established among us. It is 
God's will that they send forth not merely a few, but 
many laborers. But Satan, determined to overthrow 
this purpose, has often secured the very ones whom 
[514] 



Young Men as Missionaries 6l5 

God would qualify for places of usefulness in His 
work. There are many who would work if urged into 
service, and who would save their souls by thus work- 
ing. The church should feel her great responsibility 
in shutting up the light of truth, and restraining the 
grace of God within her own narrow limits, when 
money and influence should be freely employed in 
bringing competent persons into the missionary field. 
Hundreds of young men should have been prepar- 
ing to act a part in the work of scattering the seeds 
of truth beside all waters. We want men who will 
push the triumphs of the cross; men who will perse- 
vere under discouragements and privations; who will 
liave the zeal and resolution and faith that are indis- 
l)ensable in the missionary field. . . . 

FOREIGN LANGUAGES 

There are among us those who, without the toil and 
delay of learning a foreign language, might qualify 
themselves to proclaim the truth to other nations. In 
the primitive church, missionaries were miraculously 
endowed with a knowledge of the languages in which 
they were called to preach the unsearchable riches of 
Christ. And if God w^as walling thus to help His 
servants then, can we doubt that His blessing will rest 
upon our efforts to qualify those who naturally possess 
a knowledge of foreign tongues, and who, Avith proper 
encouragement, would bear to their own countrymen 
the knowledge of truth? We might have had more 
laborers in foreign missionary fields, had those who 
entered these fields availed themselves of every talent 
within their reach. . . . 



516 Counsels to Teachers 

It may iu some cases be necessary that young men 
learn foreign languages. This they can do with most 
success by associating with the people, at the same 
time devoting a portion of each day to studying the 
language. This should be done, however, only as 
a necessary step preparatory to educating such as 
are found in the missionary fields themselves, and 
who, with proper training, can become workers. It 
is essential that those be urged into the service who 
can speak in their mother tongue to the people of 
different nations. It is a great undertaking for a 
man of middle age to learn a foreign language; and 
with all his efforts it will be next to impossible for 
him to speak it so readily and correctly as to render 
him an efficient hi borer. 

YOUNG MEN WANTED FOR HARD PI.ACES 

We cannot afford to deprive our home missions of 
the influence of middle-aged and aged ministers, to 
send them into distant fields to engage in a Avork 
for which they are not qualified, and to which no 
amount of training will enable them to adapt them- 
selves. The men thus sent out leave vacancies which 
inexperienced laborers cannot supply. 

But the church may inquire whether young men 
can be entrusted with the grave responsibilities in- 
volved in the establishing and superintending of a 
foreign mission. I answer, God designed that they 
should be so trained in our colleges and by associa- 
tion in labor with men of experience, that they would 
be prepared for departments of usefulness in this 
cause. We must manifest confidence in our young 
men. They should be pioneers in every enterprise 



Young Men as Missionaries 517 

involviug toil and sacrifice, while the overtaxed serv- 
ants of Christ should be cherished as counselors, to 
encourage and bless those who strike the heaviest 
blows for God. Providence thrust these experienced 
fathers into trying, responsible positions at an early 
age, when neither physical nor intellectual powers 
were fully developed. The magnitude of the trust 
committed to them aroused their energies, and their 
active labor in the work aided both physical and 
mental development. 

Young men are wanted. God calls them to mis- 
sionary fields. Being comparatively free from care 
and responsibilities, they are more favorably situated 
to engage in the work than are those who must pro- 
vide for the training and support of a large family. 
Furthermore, young men can more readily adapt 
themselves to new climates and new society, and can 
better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact 
and perseverance, they can reach the people where 
they are. 

Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use 
the ability which God has given them, will have in- 
creased ability to devote to His service. Those who 
do nothing in the cause of God, will fail to grow in 
grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who 
would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs, 
would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the 
Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers, 
not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses 
the strength which he already had; he becomes a 
spiritual paralytic. It is those who, with love for 
God and their fellows-men, are striving to help others, 
that become established, strengthened, settled, in the 



518 Counsels to Teachers 

truth. The true Christian works for God, not from 
impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a 
month, but during the entire life. . . . 

The Master calls for gospel workers; who will 
respond? Not all who enter the army are to be gen- 
erals, captains, sergeants, or even corporals. Not all 
have the care and responsibility of leaders. There 
is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must 
dig trenches and build fortifications; some are to 
stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While 
there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers 
to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success 
depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One 
man's cowardice or treachery may bring disaster 
upon the entire army. . . . 

He who has appointed "to every man his work" 
(Mark 13: 34), according to his ability, will never let 
the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. 
Every act of loyalty and faith will l)e crowned witli 
special tokens of God's favor and approbation. To 
every worker is given the promise, "He that goetli 
forth and vveepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubt- 
less come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 
with him." Ps. 126: 6.— ''Testimonies/' Vol. V, 

pp. 390-395. 

® 

A familiarity with the languages of the different 
nations is a help in missionary work. An under- 
standing of the customs of those who lived in Bible 
times, of the location and time of events, is practical 
knowledge; for it aids in making clear the figures 
of the Bible, and in })ringing out the force of Christ's 
lessons. 



CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND 
SANITARIUMS 

There are decided advantages to be gained by tlie 
estalilishnient of a school and a sanitarium in close 
proximity, that they may be a help one to the other. 
Instruction regarding this was given to me when we 
were making decisions about the location of our 
buildings in Takoma Park. Whenever it is possi])le 
to have a school and a sanitarium near enough to- 
gether for helpful co-operation between the two in- 
stitutions, and yet separated sufficiently to prevent 
one from interfering with the work of the other, our 
In'ethren should give most careful consideration to 
the benefits that would accrue through placing the 
institutions where they can help each other. One in- 
stitution will give influence and strength to the other ; 
and, too, money can be saved by both institutions, 
because each can share the advantages of the other. 

MEDICAL EVANGELISTIC WORK 

In connection with our larger schools there should 
))e provided facilities for giving students thorough 
instruction regarding gospel medical missionary work. 
This line of work is to be brought into our colleges 
and training-schools as a part of the regular instruc- 
tion. The students should learn how to care for the 
sick; for msLny of them will have to engage in this 
kind of work when they take up missionary labor in 
the fields to which they shall be called. They are to 
be taught how to use nature's remedies- in the treat- 
ment of disease. While gaining a knowledge of 

[519] 



520 Counsels to Teachers 

present truth, they should learn also how to be min- 
isters of healing to those whom they go forth to serve. 
They should be given wise instruction regarding the 
principles of healthful living. This should be looked 
upon as an important part of their education, even 
though they may never be missionaries in foreign 
lands. Even in the primary schools the children 
should be taught to form habits that will keep them 
in health. 

Those in training to b^ nurses and physicians 
should daily be given instruction that will develop 
the highest motives for advancement. They should 
attend our colleges and training-schools; and the 
teachers in these institutions of learning should real- 
ize their responsibility to work and to pray with 
their students. Students should learn to be true 
medical missionaries, firmly bound up with the gos- 
pel ministry. . . . 

Whenever a well-equipped sanitarium is established 
near a school, it may add greatly to the strength of 
the medical missionary course in the school if there 
is co-operation between the two institutions. The 
teachers in the school can help the workers in the 
sanitarium by their advice and counsel, and by 
sometimes speaking to the patients. And, in return, 
those in charge of the sanitarium can assist in train- 
ing for field service the students who are desirous 
of becoming medical missionaries. Circumstances, 
of course, must determine the details of the arrange- 
ments that it will be best to make. As the workers in 
each institution plan unselfishly to help the other, 
the blessing of the Lord will surely rest upon both 
institutions. 



S(<hoo]s and Sanitariums • 521 

No ouc man, wliellu'r a teacher, a pliysieiau, or a 
minister, can ever hope to be a complete whole. God 
has given to every man certain gifts, and has ordained 
that men be associated in Ilis service, in order that 
the varied talents of many minds may be blended. 
The contact of mind with mind tends to quicken 
thought and increase the capal)ilities. The deficien- 
cies of one laborer are often made up ])y the special 
gifts of another; and as physicians and teachers thus 
associated unite in imparting their knowledge, the 
youth under their training will receive a symmetrical, 
well-ljalanced education for service. 

THE BENEFIT TO THE PATIENTS 

The benefits of hearty co-operation extend beyond* 
pliysicians and teachers, students and sanitarium 
helpers. When a sanitarium is built near a school, 
those in charge of the educational institution have a 
grand opportunity of setting a right example before 
those who all through life have been easy-going idlers, 
and who have come to the sanitarium for treatment. 
The patients will see the contrast between their idle, 
self-indulgent lives, and the lives of self-denial and 
service lived by Christ's followers. They will learn 
that the object of medical missionary work is to 
restore, to correct wrongs, to show human beings how 
to avoid the self-indulgence that brings disease and 
death. 

The words and actions of the workers in the sani- 
tarium and in the school should plainly reveal that 
life is an intensely solemn thing, in view of the ac- 
count vvhich all must render to God. Each one should 



522 ' Counsels to Teachers 

now put his talents out to the exchangers, adding to 
the Master's gift, blessing others with the blessings 
given him. 

UNITY AMONG WORKERS 

That the best results may be secured by the estab- 
lishment of a sanitarium near a school, there needs 
to be perfect harmony between the workers in both 
institutions. This is sometimes difficult to secure, 
especially when teachers and physicians are inclined 
to be self-centered, each considering as of the great- 
est importance the work with which he is most closely 
connected. When men who are self-confident are in 
charge of institutions in close proximity, great an- 
•noyance might result were each determined to carry 
out his own plans, refusing to make concessions to 
others. Those at the head of the sanitarium and 
lliose at the liead of the school will need to guard 
against clinging tenaciously to their own ideas con- 
cerning things that are really non-essentials. 

CONSECRATED SERVICE 

There is a great work to be done by our sani- 
tariums and schools. Time is short. What is done 
must be done quickly. Let those who are connected 
with these important instrumentalities be wholly con- 
verted. Let them not live for self, for worldly pur- 
poses, withholding themselves from full consecration 
to God's service. Let th^m give themselves, body, 
soul, and spirit, to God, to be used by Him in sav- 
ing souls. They are not at liberty to do with them- 
selves as they please; they belong to God; for He 
has bought them with the life-blood of His only 



Schools and Sanitariums 523 

begotten 8011. And as they learn to abide in Christ, 
there will remain in the heart no room for selfish- 
ness. In His service they will find the fullest sat- 
isfaction. 

Let this be taught and lived by medical missionary 
workers. Let these laborers tell those with whom 
they come in contact that the life that men and 
women now live will one day be examined by a just 
God, and that each one must now do his best, offer- 
ing to God consecrated service. Those in charge of 
the school are to teach the students to use for the 
highest, holiest purpose the talents God has given 
them, that they may accomplish the greatest good in 
tliis world. Students need to learn what it means to 
have a real aim in life, and to obtain an exalted un- 
derstanding of what true education means. They 
need to learn what it means to1)e true gospel medical 
missionaries, — missionaries who can go forth to labor 
with the ministers of the word in needy fields. 

Wherever there is a favorable opportunity, let our 
sanitariums and our schools plan to be a helj) and 
a strength to one another. The Lord would have His 
work move forward solidly. Let light shine forth 
as God designed that it should from His institutions, 
and let God be glorified and honored. This is the 
purpose and plan of Heaven in the establishment of 
these institutions. Let physicians and nurses, teach- 
ers and students, walk humbly with God, trusting 
wholly in Him as the only one who can make their 
work a success. 

Nor. 11, 190:1. 



A BROADER VIEW 

In carrying forward the Lord's work at home and 
abroad, those in positions of responsibility must plan 
wisely so as to make the best possible use of men and 
of means. The burden of sustaining the work in 
many of the foreign lands must be largely borne by 
our conferences in the homeland. These conferences 
should have means with which to assist in opening 
new fields, where the testing truths of the third 
angel's message have never yet penetrated. Within 
the past few years, doors have been thrown open as 
if by magic, and men and women are needed to enter 
these doors and l)egin earnest work for the salvation 
of souls. 

Our educational institutions can do much toward 
meeting the demand for trained workers for these 
mission fields. Wise plans shduld be laid to strengthen 
the work done in our training-centers. Study should 
be given to the best methods for fitting consecrated 
young men and women to bear responsibility and to 
win souls for Christ. They should be taught how to 
meet the people, and how to present the third angel's 
message in an attractive manner. And in the man- 
agement of financial matters, they should be taught 
lessons that will help them when they are sent to 
isolated fields where they must suffer many priva- 
tions and practise the strictest economy. 

EARNING SCHOLARSHIPS 

The Lord has instituted a plan where])y many of 
the students in our schools can learn practical lessons 

[524] 



A Broader View 525 

needful to success iu after-life. He has given us the 
privilege of handling books that have been dedicated 
to the advancement of our educational and sanitarium 
work. In the very handling of these books the youth 
will meet wdth many experiences that will teach them 
how to cope with problems that aw^ait them in the re- 
gions beyond. During their school life, as they handle 
these books, they may learn how to approach people 
courteously, and how to exercise tact in conversing 
with them on different points of present truth. And 
as they meet with a degree of success financially, some 
will learn lessons of thrift and economy, which will 
be of great advantage to them when they are sent out 
as missionaries. 

The students who take up the work of selling 
''Christ's Object Lessons" and ''Ministry of Heal- 
ing," will need to study the book they expect to sell. 
As they familiarize their minds wdth the subject- 
matter of the book in hand, and endeavor to practise 
its teachings, they wdll develop in knowledge and 
spiritual powder. The messages in these books are the 
light that God has revealed to me to give to the world. 
The teachers in our schools should encourage the stu- 
dents to make a careful study of every chapter. They 
should teach the truths there presented, and seek 
to inspire the youth with a love for the precious 
thoughts the Lord has entrusted to us to communicate 
to the world. 

Thus the preparation for handling these books, and 
the daily experiences gained while bringing them to 
the attention of the people, will prove an invaluable 
schooling to those who take part in this line of effort. 



5^6 Counsels to Teachers 

Under the blessing of God, the youth will obtain a 
fitting up for service in the Lord's vineyard. 

There is a special Avork to be done for our young 
people by those bearing responsibility in local churches 
throughout the conferences. When the church officers 
see promising youth who are desirous of fitting them- 
selves for usefulness in the Lord's service, but whose 
parents are unable to send them to school, they have 
a duty to perform in studying how to give help and 
encouragement. They should take counsel with par- 
ents and youth, and unite in planning wisely. Some 
youth may be best fitted to engage in home missionary 
work. There is a wide field of usefulness in the dis- 
tribution of our literature, and in bringing the third 
angel's message to the attention of friends and neigh- 
bors. Other youth should be encouraged to enter the 
canvassing work, to sell our larger books. Some may 
have qualifications that would make them valual)le 
lielpers in our institutions. 

In many instances, if promising youth were wisely 
encouraged and properly directed, they could be led 
to earn their own schooling by taking up the sale 
of "Christ's Object Lessons" or "Ministry of Heal- 
ing." In selling these books, they would be acting 
as missionaries; for they would be bringing light to 
the notice of the people of the world. At the same 
time they would be earning money to enable them to 
attend school, where they could continue their prepa- 
ration for wider usefulness in the Lord's cause. In 
the school, they would receive encouragement and in- 
spiration from teachers and students to continue their 
work of selling books; and when the time came for 
them to leave school, they would have received a prac- 



A Broader View 52? 

tical Iraiiiiiiii, litting tlieiii for the hard, earnest, self- 
sacrificing labor that lias to be done in many foreign 
fields, wliere the third angel's message must be carried 
under difficult and trying circumstances. 

How much better is this plan, than for students to 
go through school without obtaining a practical edu- 
cation in field work, and at the end of their course 
leave under a burden of debt, with but little realiza- 
tion of the difficulties they will have to meet in new 
and untried fields ! How hard it will be for them to 
meet the financial problems that are connected with 
pioneer work in foreign" lands ! And what a burden 
some one will have to carry until the debts incurred 
by the student have been paid! 

On the other hand, how much might be gained if 
the self-supporting plan were followed! The stu- 
dent would often be enabled to leave the educational 
institution, nearlj^ or wholly free from personal in- 
debtedness; the finances of the school would be in a 
more prosperous condition; and the lessons learned 
by the student while passing through these experi- 
ences in the home field w^ould be of untold value to 
him in foreign fields. 

Let wise plans now be laid to help worthy students 
to earn their own schooling by handling these books, 
if they so desire. Those who earn sufficient means in 
this way to pay their way through a course at one of 
our training-schools, will gain a. most valuable prac- 
tical experience that will help fit them for pioneer 
missionary work in other fields. 

A great work is to be done in our world in a short 
time, and we must study to understand and appreci- 
ate, more than we have in past years, the providence 



528 Counsels to Teachers 

of God in placing in our hands the precious volumes, 
"Christ's Object Lessons" and "Ministry of Heal- 
ing," as a means of helping worthy students to meet 
their expenses while in training, as well as a means 
of liquidating the indebtedness on our educational and 
medical institutions. 

Great blessings are in store for us, as- we wisely 
handle these precious books, given us for the advance- 
ment of the cause of present truth. And as we labor 
in accordance with the Lord's plan, we shall find that 
many consecrated youth will be fitted to enter the 
regions beyond as practical missionaries; and at the 
same time the conferences in the home field will have 
means with which to contribute liberally to the sup- 
port of the work undertaken in new territory. 

May 17, 1908. 

® 

The word of God is to stand on its own eternal 
merits; to be accepted as the word of God; to be 
obeyed as His voice, which declares His Avill to the 
people. The Avill and voice of finite man are not to 
be interpreted as the voice of God. 

Those who teach the most solemn message eVer 
given to the world, should discipline the mind to 
comprehend its significance. The theme of redemp- 
tion will "bear the most concentrated study, and its 
depths. will never be fully explored. Do not fear 
that you will exhaust the wonderful theme. Go to 
the fountain for yourself, that you may be filled 
with refreshment. Drink deep at the well of salva- 
tion, that Jesus may be in you a well of water, spring- 
ing up unto everlasting life. 



AN ENCOURAGING EXPERIENCE 

At one of our conference schools, the teachers led 
out in reviving an interest in the sale of "Christ's 
Object Lessons." Bands of students, after prayerful 
study of the book, visited a large city near the school, 
in company with their teachers, and in their work 
gained a sound, solid experience that they prize above 
silver and gold. This kind of work is, in fact, one 
of the means that God has ordained for giving our 
youth a missionary training; and those who neglect 
to improve such opportunities lose out of their lives 
a chapter of experience of the highest value. By en- 
tering heartily into this work, students can learn how 
to approach w^ith tact and discretion men and women 
in all the walks of life, how to deal with them cour- 
teously, and how to lead them to give favorable con- 
sideration to the truths contained in the books that 
are sold. 

Students, your voice, your influence, your time — 
all these are gifts from God, and are to be used in 
winning souls to Christ. As teachers and students 
engage heartily in selling "Christ's Object Lessons," 
they will gain an experience that will fit them to do 
valuable service in connection with camp-meetings. 
Through the instruction that they can give to the be- 
lievers in attendance, and through the sale of many 
books in the places where such meetings are held, 
those who have been in the school will be able to do 
their part in reaching the multitudes who need to be 
given the third angel's message. Let teachers and 

[529] 
34 — Counsels 



530 Counsels to Teacher's 

students bear tlieir share of the burden in showing 
our people how to communicate the message to their 
friends and neighbors. 

When we follow plans of the Lord's devising, we 
are "laborers together with God." Whatever our 
position, — whether presidents of conferences, minis- 
ters, teachers, students, or lay members, — we are held 
accountable by the Lord for making the most of our 
opportunities to enlighten those in need of present 
truth. And one of the principal agencies He has or- 
dained for our use is the printed page. In our schools 
and sanitariums, in our home churches, and particu- 
larly in our annual camp-meetings, we must learn to 
make a wise use of this precious agency. With patient 
diligence, chosen workers must instruct our people 
how to approach unbelievers in a kindly, winning way, 
and how to place in their hands literature in which 
the truth for this time is presented with clearness 

and power. 

® . 

Only by the aid of that Spirit who in the begin- 
ning "was brooding upon the face of the waters;" 
of that Word by whom "all things were made;" of 
that "true Light, which lighteth every man that 
Cometh into the world" (Gen. 1:2, R. V., margin; 
John 1:3, 9), can the testimony of science be rightly 
interpreted. Only by their guidance can its deepest 
truths be discerned. Only under the direction of 
the Omniscient One shall we, in the study of His 
works, be enabled to think His thoughts after Him. 



A MISSIONARY EDUCATION 

lu the ^vo^k of soul-saving, the Lord calls together 
laborers who have different plans and ideas and vari- 
ous methods of labor. But with this diversity of minds 
there is to be revealed a unity of purpose. Often- 
times in the past the work which the Lord designed 
should prosper has been hindered because men have 
tried to place a yoke upon their fellow-workers who 
did not follow the methods which they supposed to 
l)e the best. 

No exact pattern can be given for the establishment 
of schools in new fields. The climate, the surround- 
ings, the condition of the country, and the means at 
hand with which to work, must all bear a part in 
shaping the work. The blessings of an all-round 
education will bring success in Christian missionary 
work. Through its means souls Avill be -converted to 
the truth. 

"Ye are the light of the world," Christ declares. 
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your Father which 
is in heaven." Matt. 5:14, 16. God's work in the 
earth in these last days is to reflect the light that 
Christ ])rought into the world. This light is to dis- 
sipate the gross darkness of ages. Men and women in 
heathen darkness are to be reached by those who at 
one time were in a similar condition of ignorance, 
but who have received the knowledge of the truth of 
God's word. These heathen nations will accept eagerly 
the instruction given them in a knowledge of God. 

[531] 



53^ Counsels to Teachers 

Very precious to God is His work in the earth. 
Christ and heavenly angels are watching it every 
moment. As w^e draw near to the coming of Christ, 
more and still more of missionary work will engage 
our efforts. The message of the renewing power of 
God 's grace will be carried to every country and 
clime, until the truth shall belt the world. Of the 
number of them that shall be sealed will be those 
who have come from every nation and kindred and 
tongue and people. From every country will be 
gathered men and women who will stand before the 
throne of God and before the Lamb, crying, ''Sal- 
vation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, 
and unto the Lamb. ' ' Rev. 7 : 10. But before this 
work can be accomplished, we must experience here 
in our own country the work of the Holy Spirit upon 
our hearts. 

WORLDLY PLANS NOT TO BE FOLLOWED 

God has revealed to me that we are in positive 
danger of bringing into our educational work the 
customs and fashions that prevail in the schools of 
the world. If teachers are not guarded, they will 
place on the necks of their students worldly yokes 
instead of the yoke of Christ. The plan of the schools 
we shall establish in these closing years of the mes- 
sage is to be of an entirely different order from those 
we have instituted. 

For this reason, God bids us establish schools away 
from the cities, where, without let or hindrance, we 
can carry on the education of students upon plans 
that are in harmony with the solemn message com- 
mitted to us for the world. Such an education as 



A Missionary Education 533 

this can best be worked out where there is land to 
cultivate, and where the physical exercise taken by 
the students can be of such a nature as to act a 
valuable part in their character-building, and fit 
them for usefulness in the fields to which they 
shall go. 

God will bless those schools that are conducted ac- 
cording to His design. When we were laboring to 
establish the educational work in Australia, the Lord 
revealed to us that this school must not pattern after 
any schools that had been established in the past. 
This was to be a sample school. It was organized on 
the plan that God had given us, and He has pros- 
pered its work. 

NEW METHODS 

I have been shown that in our educational work we 
are not to follow the methods that have been adopted 
in our older established schools. There is among us 
too much clinging to old customs, and because of this 
we are far behind where we should be in the develop- 
ment of the third angel's message. Because men could 
not comprehend the purpose of God in the plans 
laid before us for the education of workers, methods 
liave been followed in some of our schools which have 
retarded rather than advanced the work of God. 
Years have passed into eternity with small results, 
that might have shown the accomplishment of a great 
work. If the Lord's will had been done by the work- 
ers in earth as the angels do it in heaven, much that 
now remains to be done w^ould be already accom- 
plished, and noble results would be seen as the fruit 
of missionary effort. 



534 Counsels to Teachers 

The usefulness learned on the school farm is the 
very education that is most essential for those who go 
out as missionaries to many foreign fields. If this 
training is given with the glory of God in view, great 
results will be seen. No work will be more effectual 
than that done by those who, having obtained an edu- 
cation in practical life, go forth to mission fields with 
the message of truth, prepared to instruct as they 
have been instructed. The knowledge they have ob- 
tained in the tilling of the soil and other lines of 
jnanual work, and which they carry with them to their 
fields of labor, will make them a blessing even in 
heathen lands. — "'Special Testimonies," Series B, No. 
11, pp. 27-30. 

The teacher should not divorce himself from the 
church work. Those who conduct church schools 
and larger schools, should regard it as their privi- 
lege, not only to teach in the school, but to bring into 
the church Avith which they are connected the same 
talents that are used in the school. Through their 
work and influence, power is to be brought into the 
church. They are to strive to bring the church to 
a higher standard. 

All through our ranks are young men and women 
who should be trained for positions of usefulness and 
influence. Education is necessary both for the proper 
fulfilment of the domestic duties of life, and for suc- 
cess in every field of usefulness. Under the guidance 
of the Holy Spirit, these youth may be educated and 
trained so that all the powers will be given to God's 
service. 



THE YOUTH TO BE BURDEN-BEARERS 

''I liave written unto 3^)n, young men, because ye 
are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and 
ye have overcome the wicked one." 1 John 2: 14. 

In order that the work may go forward in all its 
l)ranches, God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and cour- 
age. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advance- 
ment of His cause. To plan with clear mind and 
execute with courageous hand demands fresh, un- 
crippled energies. Young men and women are in- 
vited to give God the strength of their youth, that 
through the exercise of their powers, through keen 
thought and vigorous action, they may bring glory 
to Him and salvation to their fellow-men. 

In view of their high calling, the youth among us 
should not seek for amusement, or live for selfish 
gratification. The salvation of souls is to be the mo- 
tive that inspires them to action. In their God-given 
strength they are to rise al)ove every enslaving, de- 
basing habit. They are to ponder well the paths of 
their feet, remembering that where they lead the way, 
others will follow. No one lives to himself; all exert 
an influence for good or for evil. Because of this, 
the apostle exhorts young men to be sober-minded. 
How can they be otherwise w^hen the}^ remember that 
they are to be co-workers with Christ, partakers with 
Him of His self-denial and sacrifice, His forbearance 
and gracious benevolence? 

To the youth of to-day as surely as to Timothy, are 
spoken the words, "Study to show thyself approved 
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

[535] 



536 Counsels to Teachers 

rightly dividing the word of truth." ''Flee also 
youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, char- 
ity, peace." 2 Tim. 2: 15, 22. "Be thou an example 
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, 
in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12. 

The burden-bearers among us are falling in death. 
Many of those who have been foremost in carrying 
out the reforms instituted by us as a people, are now 
past the meridian of life, and are declining in physi- 
cal and mental strength. With the deepest concern 
the question may be asked, Who will fill their places ? 
To whom are to be committed the vital interests of 
the church, when the present standard-bearers fall? 
We can but look anxiously upon the youth of to-day 
as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom 
responsibilities must fall. These must take up the 
work where others leave it, and their course will 
determine whether morality, religion, and vital god- 
liness shall prevail, or whether immorality and in- 
fidelity shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable. 

Those who are older must educate the youth, by 
precept and example, to discharge the claims that 
society and their Maker have upon them. Upon these 
youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The ques- 
tion is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and 
standing forth in the purity of their God-given man- 
hood, abhorring everything that savors of wickedness ? 

Never before was there so much at stake ; never were 
there results so mighty depending upon a generation 
as upon these now coming upon the stage of action. 
Not for one moment should the youth think that they 
can acceptably fill any position of trust without pos- 
sessing a good character. Just as well might they 
expect to gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles. 



Youth to he Burden-Bearers 537 

A good character must be ])uilt up brick by brick. 
Those characteristics which will enable the youth to 
labor successfully in God's cause must be obtained by 
the diligent exercise of their faculties, by improving 
every advantage Providence gives them, and by con- 
necting with the Source of all wisdom. They must 
be satisfied with no low standard. The characters 
of Joseph and Daniel are good models for them to 
follow, and in the life of the Saviour they have a 
perfect pattern. 

All are given an opportunity to develop character. 
All may fill their appointed places in God's great 
plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very child- 
hood, because his heart was j^ure. He was given to 
God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him 
a channel of light. If the youth of to-day will con- 
secrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will ac- 
cept them and use them in His work. Of their life 
they may be able to say with the psalmist, "0 God, 
Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto 
have I declared Thy wondrous works." Ps. 71:17. 

The youth must soon bear the burdens that older 
workers are now carrying. We have lost time in neg- 
lecting to give young men a solid, practical educa- 
tion. The cause of God is constantly progressing, and 
we must obey the command. Go forward. There is 
need of young men and women who will not be swayed 
by circumstances, who walk with God, who pray much, 
and who put forth earnest efforts to gather all the 
light they can. 

The worker for God should put forth the highest 
mental and moral energies with w^hich nature, cul- 
tivation, and the grace of God have endowed him; 
but his success will be proportionate to the degree of 



538 Coimsels to Teachers 

consecration and self-sacrifice in which his work is 
done, rather than to either natural or acquired en- 
dowments. Earnest, continuous endeavor to acquire 
qualifications for usefulness is necessary; but unless 
God works with humanity, nothing good can be ac- 
complished. Divine grace is the great element of sav- 
ing power; without it all human effort is unavailing. 

Whenever the Lord has a work to be done, He calls 
not only for the commanding officers, but for all the 
workers. To-day He is calling for young men and 
women who are strong and active in mind and body. 
He desires them to bring into the conflict against prin- 
cipalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high 
I)laces, their fresh, healthy powers of brain, bone, and 
muscle. But they must have the needed preparation. 
Some young men are urging their way into the work 
who have no real fitness for it. They do not under- 
stand that they need to be taught before they can 
teach. They point to men who with little preparation 
have labored with a measure of success. But if these 
men were successful, it was because they put heart 
and soul into the work. And how much more effective 
their labors might have been if at the first they had 
received suitable training! 

The cause of God needs efficient men. Education 
and training are rightly regarded as an essential 
preparation for business life; and how much more 
essential is thorough preparation for the work of pre- 
senting the last message of mercy to the world ! This 
training cannot be gained by merely listening to 
preaching. In our schools our youth are to bear 
burdens for God. They are to receive a thorough 
training under experienced teachers. They should 
make the best possible use of their time in study, 



Youth io he Burden-Bearers 639 

and put into practice the knowledge acquired. Hard 
study and liard work arc required to make a success- 
ful minister or a successlul worker in any branch of 
God's cause. Nothing less than constant cultivation 
.will develop the value of the gifts that God has be- 
stowed for wise improvement. 

A great injury is often done our young men by per- 
mitting them to begin to preach when they have not 
sufficient knowledge of the Scriptures to present our 
faith in an intelligent manner. Some who enter the 
field are novices in the Scriptures. In other things 
also they are incompetent and inefficient. They can- 
not read the Scriptures Avithout hesitating, mispro- 
nouncing words, and jumbling them together in such 
a manner that the word of God is abused. Those who 
cannot read correctly should learn to do so, and 
should become apt to teach, before they attempt to 
stand before the public. 

The teachers in our schools are obliged to apply 
themselves closely to study, that they may be prepared 
to instruct others. These teachers are not accepted 
until they have passed a critical examination, and 
their capabilities to teach have been tested by com- 
petent judges. No less caution should be used in the 
examination of ministers ; those who are about to enter 
upon the sacred work of teaching Bible truth to the 
world, should be carefully examined by faithful, ex- 
perienced men. 

The teaching in our schools is not to be the same as 
in other colleges and seminaries. It is not to be of 
an inferior order; the knowledge essential to prepare 
a people to stand in the great day of God is to be 
made the all-important theme. The students are to 
be fitted to serve God, not only in this life, but in the 



540 Counsels to Teachers 

future life. The Lord requires that our schools shall 
fit students for the kingdom to which they are bound. 
Thus they will be prepared to blend in the holy, 
happy harmony of the redeemed. 

Many teachers are in danger of making their train-, 
ing mechanical. There is danger that a ceremonial 
service will take the place of genuine heart work. 
Thus religion will become little more than a form. 
The students in our schools, the members of our 
churches, need something deeper than this. An in- 
tellectual religion will not satisfy the soul. Intel- 
lectual training must not be neglected, but it is not 
sufficient. Students must be taught that they are 
in this world to do service for God. They must be 
taught to place the will on the side of God's will. 

Let those who have been trained for service, now 
take their places quickly in the Lord's work. House- 
to-house laborers are needed. The Lord calls for 
decided efforts to be put forth in places where the 
people know nothing of Bible truth. Singing and 
prayer and Bible readings are needed in the homes 
of the people. Now, just now, is the time to obey 
the commission, "Teaching them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have commanded you. ' ' Matt. 28 : 20. 
Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge 
of the Scriptures. "It is written" is to be their 
weapon of defense, God has given us light on His 
word, that we may give this light to our fellow-men. 
The truth spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A 
"Thus saith the Lord" will fall upon the ear with 
power, and fruit will appear wherever honest serv- 
ice is done. 
1882. 



LITERARY SOCIETIES 

It is often asked, Are literary societies a benefit to 
our youth? To answer this question properly, we 
should consider not only the avowed purpose of such 
societies, but the influence which they have actually 
exerted, as proved by experience. The improvement 
of the mind is a duty which we owe to ourselves, to 
society, and to God. But we should never devise 
means for the cultivation of the intellect at the ex- 
pense of the moral and the spiritual. And it is only 
])y the harmonious development of both the mental 
and the moral faculties that the highest perfection of 
either can be attained. Are these results secured by 
literary societies as they are generally conducted? 

Literary societies are almost universally exerting 
an influence contrary to that which the name indicates. 
As generally conducted, they are an injury to the 
youth; for Satan comes in to put his stamp upon the 
exercises. All that makes men manly or women wo- 
manly is reflected from the character of Christ. The 
less we have of Christ in such societies, the less we 
have of the elevating, refining, ennobling element 
which should prevail. When worldlings conduct these 
meetings to meet their wishes, the spirit of Christ is 
excluded. The mind is drawn away from serious 
reflection, away from God, away from the real and 
substantial, to the imaginary and the superficial. Lit- 
erary societies — would that the name expressed their 
true character ! What is the chaff to the wheat ? 

The purposes and o])jects which lead to the forma- 
tion of literary societies may be good; but unless wis- 

1.541 J 



542 Counsels to Teachers 

doui from God shall control these organizations, they 
will become a positive evil. The irreligious and un- 
consecrated in heart and life are usually admitted, 
and are often placed in the most responsible positions. 
Rules and regulations may be adopted that are thought 
to be sufficient to hold in check every deleterious in- 
fluence; but Satan, a shrewd general, is at Avork to 
mould the society to suit his plans, and in time he too 
often succeeds. The great adversary finds ready ac- 
cess to those whom he has controlled in the past, and 
through them he accomplishes his purpose. Various 
entertainments are introduced to make the meetings 
interesting and attractive for worldlings, and thus 
the exercises of the so-called literary society too often 
degenerate into demoralizing theatrical performances 
and cheap nonsense. All these gratify the carnal 
mind, which is at enmity with God; but they do not 
strengthen the intellect nor confirm the morals. 

The association of the God-fearing with the unbe- 
lieving in these societies does not make saints of sin- 
ners. When God's people voluntarily unite with the 
worldly and the unconsecrated, and give them the 
pre-eminence, they will be led away from Him by 
the unsanctified influence under which they have 
placed themselves. For a short time there may be 
nothing seriously objectionable, but minds that have 
not been brought under the control of the Spirit of 
God will not take readily to those things which savor 
of truth and righteousness. If they had had here- 
tofore any relish for spiritual things, they would 
have placed themselves in the ranks of Jesus Christ. 
The tw^o classes are controlled by different masters, 
and are opposites in their purposes, hopes, tastes, and 



Literary Societies 543 

desires. The followers of Jesus enjoy sober, sensible, 
ennobling themes, while those who have no love for 
sacred things cannot take pleasure in these gather- 
ings, unless the superficial and unreal constitutes a 
prominent feature of the exercises. Little by little 
the spiritual element is ruled out by the irreligious, 
and the effort to harmonize principles which are an- 
tagonistic in their nature, proves a decided failure. 

Efforts have been made to devise a plan for the 
establishment of a literary society which shall prove 
a benefit to all connected with it, — a society in which 
all the members shall feel a moral responsibility to 
make it what it should be, and to avoid the evils 
which often make such associations dangerous to re- 
ligious principles. Persons of discretion and good 
judgment, who have a living connection with heaven, 
who will see the evil tendencies, and, not deceived 
by Satan, will move straight forward in the path 
of integrity, continuallj^ holding aloft the banner of 
Christ, — such ones are needed to control in these 
societies. Such an infiuence will command respect, 
and make these gatherings a blessing rather than 
a curse. 

If men and ^vomen of mature age would unite with 
the youth to organize and conduct such a literary 
society, it might become both useful and interesting. 
But when such gatherings degenerate into occasions 
for fun and boisterous mirth, they are anything but 
literary or elevating. They are debasing to both 
mind and morals. 

Bible reading, the critical examination of Bible 
subjects, essays written upon topics which would 
improve the mind and impart knowledge, the study 



544 Counsels to Teachers 

of the prophecies or the precious lessons of Christ, — 
these will have an influence to strengthen the mental 
powers and increase spirituality. A familiar ac- 
quaintance with the Scriptures sharpens the discern- 
ing powers, and fortifies the soul against the attacks 
of Satan. 

Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control 
over the thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to 
keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon profitable sub- 
jects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, 
religion cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must 
be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things, or it 
will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both 
the intellectual and the moral powers must be disci- 
plined, and they will strengthen and improve by 
exercise. 

In order to understand this matter aright, we must 
remember that our hearts are naturally depraved, 
and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right 
course. It i-s only by the grace of God, combined with 
the most earnest effort on our part, that we can gain 
the victory. 

Tlie intellect, as well as the heart, must be conse- 
crated to the service of God. He has claims upon all 
there is of us. The follower of ('hrist should not in- 
dulge in any gratification, or engage in any enter- 
prise, however innocent or laudable it may appear, 
which an enlightened conscience tells him would abate 
his ardor or lessen his spirituality. Every Christian 
should labor to press back the tide of evil, and save 
our youth from the influences that would sweep them 
down to ruin. ]\Iay God help us to press our way 
against the current. 



STUDENT MISSIONARY WORK 

It is not enough to fill the minds of the youth with 
lessons of deep importance; they must learn to im- 
part what they have received. Whatever may be the 
position or possession of any individual who has a 
knowledge of the truth, the word of God teaches him 
that all he has is held by him in trust. It is lent him 
to test his character. His worldly business, his tal- 
ents, his means, his opportunities for service, are all 
to be accounted for to Him to whom by creation and 
redemption he belongs. God bestows His gifts upon 
us that we may minister to others, and thus become 
like Him. He who strives to obtain knowledge in 
order that he may labor for the ignorant and per- 
ishing, is acting his part in fulfilling God's great 
purpose for mankind. In unselfish service for the 
blessing of others he is meeting the high ideal of 
Christian education. 

Among the students in our schools there are those 
who have precious talents, and these talents they 
should be taught to put to use. Our schools should 
be so conducted that teachers and students will con- 
stantly become more and more efficient. By faith- 
fully putting to a practical use that which they have 
learned, they will increase in ability to use their 
knowledge. 

It is necessary to their complete education that 
students be given time to do missionary work — time 
to become acquainted with the spiritual needs of the 
families in the community around them. They should 

[545] 
35 — Counsels 



546 Counsels to Teachers 

not be so loaded down with studies that they have 
no time to use the knowledge they have acquired. 
They should be encouraged to make earnest mission- 
ary effort for those in error, becoming acquainted 
with them, and taking to them the truth. By work- 
ing in humility, seeking wisdom from Christ, praying 
and watching unto prayer, they may give to others 
the knowledge that has enriched their lives. 

The teachers and students in our schools need the 
divine touch. God can do much more for them than 
He has done, because in the past His way has been 
restricted. If a missionary spirit is encouraged, even 
if it takes some hours from the program of regular 
study, much of heaven's blessing will be given, pro- 
vided there is more faith and spiritual zeal, more ol* 
a realization of what God will do. 

There are many lines in which the youth can find 
opportunity for helpful effort. Companies should be 
organized and thoroughly educated to work as nurses, 
gospel visitors, and Bible readers, as canvassers, min- 
isters, and medical missionary evangelists. 

When school closes, there is opportunity for many 
to go out into the field as evangelistic canvassers. The 
faithful colporteur finds his way into many homes, 
where he leaves reading-matter containing the truth 
for this time. Our students should learn how to sell 
our books. There is need of men of deep Christian 
experience, men of well-balanced minds, strong, well- 
educated men, to engage in this branch of the work. 
Some have the talent, education, and experience that 
would enable them to educate the youth for the 
canvassing work in such a way that much more 
would be accomplished than is now being done. Those 



student Missionary Work 547 

who have this experience have a special duty to per- 
form in teaching others. 

The canvassing work is one of the Lord's appointed 
agencies for extending the knowledge of the truth for 
this time. The effort made in some schools to cir- 
culate ''Christ's Object Lessons" has demonstrated 
what can be accomplished in the canvassing field by 
the students. The Lord has blessed the efforts put 
forth to relieve our schools from debt, and those who 
have engaged in the work have obtained an excellent 
experience. As they have taken up the work disin- 
terestedly, great blessing has come to them. Many 
have thus gained a knowledge of how to liandle our 
larger books. 

Wherever possible, students should, during the 
school year, engage in city mission work. They 
should do missionary work in the surrounding towns 
and villages. They can form themselves into bands 
to do Christian help work. Students should take a 
broad view of their present obligations to God. They 
are not to look forward to a time, after the school 
term closes, when they will do some large work for 
God, but should study how, during their student life, 
to yoke up with Christ in unselfish service for others. 

There is power in the ministry of song. Students 
who have learned to sing sweet gospel songs w^ith 
melody and distinctness, can do much good as sing- 
ing evangelists. They will find many opportunities 
to use the talent that God has given them in carrying 
melody and sunshine into many lonely places dark- 
ened by sorrow and affliction, singing to those wlio 
seldom have church privileges. 



548 Counsels to Teachers 

Students, go out into the highways and hedges. 
Endeavor to reach the higher as well as the lower 
classes. Enter the homes of the rich as well as the 
poor, and as you have opportunity, ask, ''Would you 
be pleased to have us sing some gospel hymns?*' 
Then as hearts are softened, the way may open for 
you to offer a few words of prayer for the blessing 
of God. Not many will refuse to listen. Such min- 
istry is genuine missionary work. 

Students, educate yourselves to speak in the lan- 
guage of Canaan. Put away all foolish talking and 
jesting, all foolish amusements. By faith grasp God's 
promises, and determine that you will be Christians 
here below, while preparing for translation. If you 
strip yourselves of every hindrance to progress in 
the Christian life, your minds will be worked by the 
Holy Spirit, and you will become fishers of men. 
The salvation of God will go forth from you as a 
lamp that burneth. If your own hearts are filled 
with light from above, wherever you may be you 
will shed light upon others. He will bless you in your 
service, and you will see of His salvation. 

The third angel was seen flying in the midst of 
heaven, heralding the commandments of God and the 
faith of Jesus. The message loses none of its power 
in its onward flight. John saw the work increasing 
until the whole earth was filled with the glory of 
God. With intensified zeal and energy we are to 
carry forward the work of the Lord till the close 
of time. 

In the home, in the school, in the church, men, 
women, and youth are to prepare to give the message 
to the world. Our schools are to be more and more 



student Missionary Work 549 

efficacious and self-reliant from a human standpoint, 
more like the schools of the prophets. The teachers 
should walk very near to God. The Lord calls for 
strong, devoted, self-sacrificing young men and women, 
who will press to the front, and who, after a short 
time spent in school, will go forth prepared to give 
the message to the world. 

From our colleges and training-schools mission- 
aries are to be sent forth to distant lands. While at 
school, let the students improve every opportunity to 
prepare for this work. Here they are to be tested and 
proved, that it may be seen what their adaptability 
is, and whether they have a right hold from above. 
If they have a living connection with heaven, they 
will have an influence for good on those with vvlioiii 
they come in contact. 

A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE 

While we were living at Cooranbong, where the 
Avondale school is established, the question of amuse- 
ments came up for consideration. "What shall we 
do to provide for the amusement of our students?" 
the faculty inquired. We talked matters over to- 
gether, and then I came before the students and said 
to them: 

' ' We can occupy our minds and our time profitably 
without trying to devise methods for amusing our- 
selves. Instead of spending time in playing the 
games that so many students play, strive to do some- 
thing for the Master. 

"The very best course for you to pursue is to 
engage in missionary work for the people of the 
neighborhood and in the noar-l)y settlements. When- 



550 Counsels to Teachers 

ever you are listening to an interesting discourse, 
take notes, and mark do^Yn the passages that the min- 
ister uses, so that you can review the subject care- 
fully. Then after faithful study you will soon be 
able to give a synopsis of the discourses, in the form 
of Bible readings, to some who do not come to our 
i]ieetings." 

The older students decided to follow this sugges- 
tion. They had evening meetings for studying the 
Scriptures together. They worked hrst of all for one 
another, and as a result of the Bible studies among 
tliemselves, a number of the unconverted were won to 
tlie truth. And the effort in behalf of the neighbors 
was a blessing not only to themselves, but to those for 
whom they labored. 

Those who went out to work for the neighbors were 
instructed to report any case of sickness they might 
find ; and those who had had training in giving treat- 
ment to the sick were encouraged to use their knowl- 
edge in a i^ractical way. To work for the IMaster 
came to be regarded as Christlike recreation. 

After a time the Sunday labor question came up 
for consideration. It seemed as if the lines were soon 
to be drawn so tightly about us that we should not be 
al)le to work on Sunday. Our school was situated in 
tlie heart of the woods, far from any village or rail- 
way station. No one was living near enough to be 
disturbed in any way by anything we might do. 
Nevertheless we were watched. The officers were 
urged to o])serve what we were doing on the school 
premises ; and they did come, but they did not appear 
to notice those who were at work. Their confidence 
and respect for our people had been so won by the 



student Missionary Work 551 

work we had done for the siek in that coniniunity, 
that they did not wish to interfere with our hanu- 
le3S labor on Sunday. 

At another time when our ])rethren were threat- 
ened with persecution, and were questioning in re- 
gard to what they should do, I gave the same advice 
that I had given in answer to the question concern- 
ing the use of Sunday for games. I said, ''Employ 
Sunday in doing missionary work for God. Teachers, 
go with your students. Take them to the homes of 
the people, near and far, and teach tliem how to talk 
in a way to do good. Let the people know that you 
are interested in their souls' salvation." The bless- 
ing of God rested upon the students as they dili- 
gently searched the Scriptures in order to learn how 
to present the truths of the word in such a way that 
tliese truths would be received with favor. 

Let the teachers in our schools devote Sunday to 
missionary effort. Let them take the students with 
them to hold meetings for those who know not the 
truth. Sunday can be used for carrying forward 
various lines of w^ork that wall accomplish much for 
the Lord. On this day house-to-house work can be 
done. Open-air meetings and cottage meetings can 
be held. Make these meetings intensely interesting. 
Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power 
and assurance of the Saviour's love. Speak on tem- 
perance and on true religious experience. You will 
thus learn much about how to work, and will reach 
many hearts. 

Those students who get the most good out of life 
are those who live by the word of God in their con- 
nections and dealino's with their fellow-men. Those 



552 Counsels to Teachers 

who receive to give, experience the greatest satis- 
faction in this life. Those "who live for themselves 
are always in want; for they are never satisfied. 
There is no Christianity in shutting up our sympa- 
thies in our own selfish hearts. The Lord has or- 
dained channels throiigli which He lets flow His good- 
ness, mercy, and truth ; and we are to be co-workers 
witli Christ in communicating to others practical 
wisdom and benevolence. We are to bring bright- 
ness and blessing into their lives, thus doing a good 
and holy work. 

HELPFUL EFFORT IN THE SCHOOL 

Tlie student has a special work to do in the school 
ilscir. In the schoolroom and in the school home 
iliere are missionary fields awaiting his labors. Here 
a variety of minds are gathered, many different char- 
acters and dispositions. By proving himself a help 
and blessing to these, the student has the privilege 
of showing the genuineness of his love for Christ, 
and his willingness to improve the opportunities for 
service that come to him. By helpful, kindly words 
and deeds he may impart to his associates the grace 
of God bestowed on liiuL 

God wants the youth to be a help to one another. 
Each has trials to bear, temptations to meet. While 
one may be strong on some points, he may be weak 
on others, having grave faults to overcome. God 
says to all, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so 
fulfil the law of Christ." Gal. 6:2. 

Not all the youth are able to grasp ideas quickly. 
If you see a fellow-student who has difficulty in un- 
dcrslnihliiig his lessons, explain them to him. State 



Stuclfnt Missionary Work 553 

your ideas in clear, simple language. Often minds 
apparently stolid will catch ideas more quickly from 
a fellow-student than from a teacher. Be patient and 
persevering, and by and by the hesitancy and dul- 
ness will disappear. In your efforts to help others, 
you will be helped. God will give you power to 
advance in your studies. He will co-operate with you, 
and in heaven the words will be spoken of you, 
''Good and faithful servant." 

Let every student realize that he is in the school 
to help his fellow-students to co-operate with God, 
to co-operate with the prayers that are rising in their 
boliair. In sympathy and love, he sliould help liis 
associates to press heavenward. 

Students, co-operate with your teachers. As you 
do this, you give them hope and courage, and at the 
same time you are helping yourselves to advance. 
Remember that it rests largely with you whether your 
teachers stand on vantage-ground, their work an ac- 
knowledged success. They will appreciate every ef- 
fort made by you to co-operate with their work. 

Students should have their own seasons of prayer, 
wlieii they may offer fervent petitions in behalf of 
the principal and teachers of the school, that they 
may be given physical strength, mental clearness, 
moral power, spiritual discernment, and be qualified 
by the grace of Christ to do the work with fidelity 
and fervent love. They should pray that the teachers 
may be agents through whom God shall work to make 
good prevail over evil. Every day the student may 
exert a silent, prayerful influence, and thus co-operate 
with Christ, the missionary-in-chief. 



554 Counsels to Teachers 

We are far behind what we should be in Christian 
experience. We are backward in bearing the testi- 
mony that should be given through sanctified lips. 
Even when sitting at the meal-table, Christ taught 
truths that brought comfort and courage to the hearts 
of His hearers. When His love abides in the soul 
as a living principle, there will come forth from the 
treasure-house of the heart words suitable to the 
occasion — not light, trifling w^ords, but uplifting 
words, words of spiritual power. 

Let teachers and students watch for opportunities 
to confess Christ in their conversation. Such wit- 
ness will be more effective than many sermons. There 
are few who represent Christ truly. He needs to ])c 
formed within, the hope of glory; then He will be 
acknowledged as the giver of every good and perfect 
gift, the author of all our blessings, the one in whom 
is centered our hope of eternal life. • 

Students, make your school life as perfect as pos- 
sible. You will pass over the way but once, and pre- 
cious are the opportunities granted you. You are not 
only to learn but to practise the lessons of Christ. 
While obtaining your education, you have the op- 
portunity to tell of the wonderful truths of God's 
^\•ord. Improve every such opportunity. God will 
bless every minute spent in this way. IMaintain your 
simplicity and your love for souls, and the Lord w\\\ 
lead you in safe paths. The rich experience you gain 
will be of more value to you than gold or silver or 
precious stones. 

You know not to what position you may be called 
in the future. God may use you as He used Daniel, 
to take the knowledge of the truth to the mighty of 



Stiidoit Missionanj Work 555 

the earth. It rests with you to say whether you will 
have skill aud knowledge to do this work. God can 
give you skill in all your learning. He can help you 
to adapt yourself to the line of study you take up. 
Make it your first interest to gather up right, noble, 
uplifting principles. God desires you to witness for 
Him. He does not want you to stand still ; He wants 
you to run in the way of His commandments. 

Christ desires to use every student as His agent. 
You are to co-operate with the One who gave His 
life for you. What rich blessings would come to 
our schools if teachers and students would consecrate 
themselves, heart, mind, soul, and strength, to God's 
service as His helping hand! His helping hand — 
this is what you may be if you will yield yourselves 
to His keeping, fie will lead you safely, and enable 
you to make straight paths for yourselves and for 
others. He will give you knowledge aud wisdom, and 
a fitness for fuller service. 



-®- 



With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly 
trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a 
crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be 
carried to the whole world! How soon might the 
end come, — the end of suffering and sorrow and sin! 
How soon, in place of a possession here, with its 
])light of sin and pain, our children might receive 
their inheritance where "the righteous shall inherit 
tke land, and dwell therein forever;" where ''the 
inhabitant shall not say, I am sick," and "the voice 
of weeping shall be no more heard. ' ' Ps. 37 : 29 ; 
Isa. 33:24; 65:19.— ''Education/' p. 271. 



556 



Counsels to Teachers 



FOR FURTHER STUDY 



Education a Fitting for 
Service 



Gaining Efficiency 



According to That a 
Man Hath 

YouN(; Men as Missionaries 



Co-operation Between 
Schools and Sanitariums 

A Broader View 

The Youth to be Burden- 
Bearers 



Student Missionary Work 



Ed., pp. 39, 42, 47, 159-168 

(music), 262-271. 
M. of H., pp. 395-406, 497- 

502. 
P. and P., pp. 594 (music), 

592-602 

(schools of prophets). 
Test. Vol. 8, pp. 221-230. 
Test. Vol. 9, pp. 169-172. 

Test. Vol. 6, pp. 174, 175 
(character of religious ex- 
ercises). 

D. of A., pp. 250, 251. 
C. O. L., pp. 325-365. 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 437-449, 603 - 

607. 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 390-395. 

Test. Vol. 7, pp. 59, 60, 232. 



Test. Vol. 6, pp. 468-478. 

Acts, pp. 572-574. 

Test. Vol. 2, p. 128. 

Test. Vol. 3, pp. 362-367, 551- 
558 (the needed prepara- 
tion). 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 430-449. 

Test. Vol. 5, pp. 528, 529 (an 
educated ministry), 580-586. 

Test. Vol. 6, pp. 135, 136, 435, 
436. 

Test. Vol. 7, pp. 281, 282. 

Test. Vol. 8, pp. 28, 29. 

Test. Vol. 9, pp. 118-120. 

D. of A., pp. 139-143. 

Test. Vol. 4, pp. 389, 390, 603 

(canvassing). 
Test. Vol. 5, pp. 396-407 

(canvassing). 
Test. Vol. 6, pp. 313-340 

(canvassing). 
Test. Vol. 9, pp. 236-238. 



Index to Scripture References 



1:2 530 

32:26 498 



EXODUS 



GENESIS 78:4-7 385 

90:17 431 

97:10-12 397 

101:3-7 Ill) 

103:1-4 243 

111:10 108 

20:3 248 119:11 122 

31:1-6 60 119:18 31,172 

31:2,3 314 119:130 425,442 

33:11 408 126:6 518 

33:19 30 144:12 490 

34:6-8 30 147:8 1 Sf. 

DEUTERONOMY PROVERBS 

4:5-9 428 2:6 10 

6:7 110, 181 3:1-4 63, 127 

29:29 248 3:14,15 50 

33:25 258 4:7 50 

6:6-8 190 

1 SAMUEL 6:28 381 

8:17 330 

9:10 50, 65, 364 

10:4 278 

10:22 385 

22:6 108, 143, 161 

J^^ 22:17-21 385 

12:13 16 25:11 443 

13:15 318 31:21 303 

14:4 382 

38-2 380 SONG OF SOLOMON 

5:10,16 67 

17:4 122 ISAIAH 

19:1-3 453 6:1-5 375 

19:9-11 31 12:1 242 

27:8 457 27:5 156,488 

32:8 18 28:23-29 314 

37:29 555 30:21 377 

71:17 537 32:18 343 

[557] 



2:30 374, 426 

3:19 143 

16:7, 12 44 



PSALMS 



558 Counsels to Teachers 

33:24. 555 6:28-30 179 

40:26 456 6:29 303 

43:10 243 6:33 64 

53:5 22 7:7,8 242 

53:6 269 7:13,14 366 

53:11 144 7:16 189 

54:11-14 454 7:20 329 

55:2 12 7:24-27 61 

63:1 262 10:7,8 465 

65:19 555 11:28 282 

11:28, 29 31 

JEREMIAH 11:28-30 369 

„ „„ „, 11:29, 30 211 

23.24 46,66 ^.^.^^^ 399 



13:20 170 

81:33, 34 454 

33:3 17 

EZEKTEL 



16:24 23, 249 

18:6 266 

18:15 154 

19:14 180 

21:28 415 

16:49 279 22:37,38 329 

28:12,14,15 27 22:37-39 345 

30:26 452 25:21 48 

26:41 412 

DANIEL 28:20 18,540 

117 4 r, fi 

' MARK 

IIOSEA 4:26-28 140 



4:28 252 

4:29 144 

10:14 118 

11:9 176 

:2 455 12:30 360 

12:30, 31 32 

NAHUM 12:37 260,381 

13:34 518 

14:38 96 

16:15, 18 466 



0:3 230 

MICAH 



1:3 415 



ITABAKKUK 

:17.18 318 - LXJKE 

MALACHI 1:15-17,76-80 445 

2: 29-32, 52 446 

2:40 147, 178 

2:40, 52 141 

4:18 381 

5:8 103,429 9:2,6 465 

5:14,16 531 10:9 465 

5:16 398 10:27 403 

5:48 257,365 11:11-13 242 

6:10 229 13:24 366 



3:16, 17 339 

MATTHEW 



Index to Scripture Uef ere noes 



559 



15:6., 198 

19:13 309 

21:34, 35 368 

22:32 255 

JOHN 

1:3, 9 530 

1:9 361 

1:14 259 

3:16 29, 338 

5:14 466 

6:27 31 

6:35, 47, 51, 63 379 

6:63 439 

7:46 260 

10:27 114 

12:35, 36 ?.G9 

14: 26 357, 450 

15:4, 5 329 

15:5 231, 412 

15:12 97 

17:3 45, 406 

17:4-8 459 

17:15-17 323 

17:19 197, 323 

18:37 22, 259 

21:15, 16 255 

ACTS 

4:12 62 

20: 28 282 

24: 25 358, 393 

ROMANS 

1:21, 22 424 

10:10 242 

11:33 426 

13:14 103 

14:7 33 

1 CORINTHIANS 

1:18, 19, 25, 30, 31 447 

1:19-21 417 

1:30 371 

2:9 55, 188, 513 

3:9 451, 452 

3:11 62 

3:16, 17 303 



6:19, 20 494 

9:24-27 256 

10:11 166 

10:12 345, 347 

14:7-12, 13-19 244 

2 CORINTHIANS 

3:18 18 

5:21 23 

12:9 167, 3G0 

GALATTANS 

2:20 37 

6:2 552 

6:14 23 

PIIILIPPIANS 

2:6-11 263 

4:4 233 

COLOSSTANS 

1:21, 22 152 

2:10 491 

3:1-4 258 

3:17 489 

2 THESSALONIANS 
2:13 22 

1 TIMOT?IY 

2:9 302 

3:16 262 

4:12 536 

5:22 103 

2 TIMOTHY 

2:15, 22 536 

3:4 281 

3:15-17 139 

3:17 447 

TITUS 
2:11-14 330 

HEBREWS 

3:7, 8 419 

5:1. 2 196 



660 



Counsels to Teachers 



8:5 62 

11:10 63 

12:14 429 

JAMES 

1:5 360 

3:17, 18 195 

1 PETER 

1:13-15 330 

2:9 37 

3:3, 4 142. 303 

5:2 282 

5:5, 6, 8 283 

2 PETER 

1:5-7 162 

1:5-11 15 

3:18 452 

1 JOHN 

1:2 435 



2:14 535 

3:1 338 

3:2, 3 429 

3:4 169 

4:10 269 

5:4 182 

3 JOHN 

2 303 

JUDE 

21-23 253 

REVELATION 

1:17, 18 17 

3:8 17 

4:8 402 

7:10 532 

21:6 17 

22:11, 12 418 

22:17 371 



GENERAL INDEX 



Adam, fall of, 32, 33. 

education of, under Satan, 12. 
study of nature by, 186. 
Accounts, keeping of, 218, 219. 

see also Bookkeeping. 
Advancement, 18, 100. 

in students, 51, 52, 217. 
in teachers, 210, 211, 213, 256. 
spiritual, 236, 237. 
Agriculture, for children, 124, 125, 
142, 186, 187. 
in connection with schools, 288, 
289, 310, 311, 317, 532-534. 
in Israel, 275. 
lessons from the soil, 124, 125, 

142, 186, 187. 
value of, 186, 187. 
Ambition, true, 167. 
Amusements, at Avondale school, 
549-552. 
Christ's example regarding, 309. 
dangers in, 88, 281, 333-335, 

344-354, 366-368, 456. 
desire for, 335. 
provision for, 114, 115, 123, 

124. 
relation of, to physical law, 83, 

84, 375, 376. 
safe and dangerous defined, 337, 

342. 
Satan's policy in, 337, 354. 
theater-going, 334, 335. 
see also Recreation ; Games ; 
Cricket; Baseball; Card-play- 
ing. 
Angels, co-operation of, 149, 170. 
ministry of, in the home, 110, 

115, 144. 
to supervise school work, 57. 
work of, 238, 266. 
Apostles, training of, 511, 512. 
Appetite, 376. 

indulgence of, 82. 
see also Diet. 

36 — Counsels 



Associates, choice of, 221, 222, 226. 

for children, 119, 120. 
Association, character affected by, 
221, 222. 

influence of, 100-104, 220-226, 
334, 542. 

of parents and children, 124. 

of teachers and students, 232. 

wrong, 176, 269. 
Avondale school, 514, 

discipline at, 101, 102. 

games at, 348-354. 

industrial training in, 310. 

to be a sample school, 533. 

valuable experience at, 549-552. 

Baseball, 274, 456. 

Bible, an unerring guide, 449. 

as an educator, 13, 15-18, 31, 

45, 46, 52, 53. 
failure to studv, result of, 395, 

396, 438-447. 
history in, 13, 52, 421, 427, 453. 
how to study, 423, 429, 430- 

433, 463. 
in schools of the prophets, 422. 
literature in, 428. 
memorizing, 137. 
Old Testament Scriptures, 455; 

study of, rewarded, 462, 463. 
our counselor, 352-354. 
our study book, 37-39, 138, 139, 

389, 422, 455, 499, 528. 
place of, in education, 16, 86, 

108, 171, 181-184, 203, 206, 

208, 293, 377, 378, 380, 381, 

391, 395, 396, 421-430, 439, 

442, 448, 453, 455, 458, 459. 
place of, in the medical school, 

483, 484. 
poetry in, 429. 

the child's first text-book, 108. 
the standard of right and wrong, 

422, 438. 
treasures in, 421. 

[561] 



562 



Counsels to Teach 



ers 



Bible teaching and study, 88, 89, 
181-184, 249. 

chapter study, 455-457; verse 
by verse method, 461. 

comprehensive, 462. 

for children, 121, 122, 181-184. 

in the home, 137-139, 159, 160, 
171, 172, 181-184. 

mental culture in, 460, 461. 

opportunities for, 463. 

results of, 14, 49. 53, 89, 138, 
139, 159, 160, 171, 172. 181, 
182, 204, 206, 207, 249, 260, 
261, 357, 382, 395, 396, 434- 
437, 441, 442, 448-452. 

results of neglect of, 89, 204, 
395, 396, 438-447. 

simplicity in, 433, 435-437. 

unprejudiced, 463. 
Books, Bible neglected for other, 
380, 423, 424. 

effects of worthless, 134, 135. 

for the youth, 132-139. 

harmful, 378, 379, 401, 402, 
424, 458; a representation re- 
garding, 401, 402, 458, 459; 
result of studying, 377, 378, 
424. 

worthless, 133-135. 

wrong text-books, 389, 390. 

see also Reading; Literature. 
Bookkeeping, 168, 169, 218, 219. 
Business, training for, 84, 218, 219. 



Canvassers, students as, 546, 547. 
work of, 493, 524-528. 
see also "Christ's Object Les- 
sons;" "Ministry of Healing;" 
Students ; Scholarships. 
Card-playing, danger in, 334, 346. 
Carpentry, 122. 
in schools, 311. 

learned by Christ, 147, 276, 277. 
Character, definition of, 222. 
Christ the pattern for, 141. 
church responsible for character 

of its youth, 203, 204. 
influence of associates on, 120, 

220-226. 
influence of industry on, 146- 

148. 
the object of education, 148, 157, 

512. 
value of a good, 226. 



Character — Continued. 

well-balanced, necessary in teach- 
ers, 191-197. 

Character-buildine:. 61-63. 141 142 
449, 537. 

a part of education, 84-88. 

each the architect of his own, 
222. 

how hindered, 384. 

in industrial training, 145-148. 

in the home, 107-131, 150. 

the aim of teachers, 61, 68. 

to begin early, 77, 85. 
Checkers, 346. 

Cheerfulness, effect of ill-health on, 
301. 
teachers' need of, 212, 232-234, 
Chess, 346. 

Children, as missionaries, 130, 131, 

159, 160, 168, 169, 176, 177. 
close confinement of, in school. 

77, 80, 82, 83, 145. 
dangers of, 118. 
dietary of, 78, 79, 82, 126. 
indulgence of, 85. 
interest of Christ in, 175, 178, 

180. 
need of physical exercise, 286, 

287. 
parents the teachers of, 79, 107- 

118. 
respect in, 75. 
school age of, 79, 80, 145. 
susceptibility of, 114, 132, 143, 

180, 193. 
to be Christians, 142. 
to be useful, 122-125, 145-149, 

159, 160. 
truest graces in, 113, 124, 141, 

142. 
unpromising, 93, 115, 116, 195, 

264, 267. 

Church-members, God's ideal for, 
365, 366. 

criticism of teachers by, 153- 
157. 

high standard for, 58-60. 

in prayer and social meetings, 
241-247. 

not to congregate in large cen- 
ters, 173. 

obedience required from, 454, 
455. 



General Index 



563 



Church-members — Continued. 

responsibility of, 41-47, 68-70, 
96, 173, 203, 204, 200, 210, 
502. 
to be separate from the world, 

323, 328-330, 542, 543. 
to help educate youth, 45, 69, 

70, 515. 
to represent Christ. 322. 323, 

328-330, 341, 507, 508. 
to reveal Christ, 250, 251, 257, 

258. 
to study God's works, 456, 457. 
work of, 321-324, 418, 419. 
see also Parents. 
Church schools, character of, 170, 
174-176. 
Bible study in, 171, 172, 181- 

184. 
nature study in, 185-190. 
need of establishing, 168, 173, 

, 174. 
not to be given up, 157. 
qualifications of teachers in, 169, 

174-176, 200, 493, 534. 
results of, 169, 170, 172, 176, 

177. 
should be where there are a few 

Sabbath-keepers, 174. 
teaching of hygiene in, 520. 
to supplement home training, 

174. 
work of, 153, 168-174, 176, 

177. 
youth as teachers in, 183, 192. 
see also Bible; Education; 
Teacher. 
Christ, an educating power, 33-37, 
as a child, 140, 141, 178, 260. 
example of, 34, 49, 50, 174. 
example of, in manual labor, 

276, 277. 
example of, in service, 495. 
interest of, in youth, 48, 179. 
in the Old Testament, 462. 
methods of, 35, 398, 399, 405. 
our theme of conversation, 338. 
parable teaching of, 140-144. 
school of, 50-52, 
second coming of, 413, 414, 494. 
simplicity of teachings of, 180, 

381, 433. 
source of strength of, 323; see 
also Prayer. 



Christ — Continued. 

taking trials to, 233. 
the great Healer, 467, 468. 
the great Teacher, 16-18. 28, 30, 
49-52, 140-144, 178-180, 211, 
212 259-263, 381, 385, 386, 
398, 399, 439, 446, 447, 453, 
484. 
the source of knowledge, 230. 
the teacher's example, 49, 50, 
178-180, 194, 239, 240, 261, 
262. 
the teacher's need of, 159, 191, 

192, 211, 212, 230, 235. 
work of, 323, 495. 
"Christ's Object Lessons," results 
of sale of, 524-528, 546, 547. 
sale of, by students, 524-528. 
sale of, by teachers, 529, 530. 
Common branches, to be taught, 
206-208, 213, 214. 
value of, 215-219. 
see also Education. 
Consecration, 397, 398, 522, 523. 
Conversation, how cheapened, 443. 

of teachers, 151. 
Conversion, need of, 359. 
Cookery, children to be taught, 127. 
importance of, 289, 292, 312, 
313. 
Co-operation, 100, 101, 264, 265, 
553-555. 
between parents and teachers, 

91, 92, 146-157, 160, 161. 
between schools and sanitariums, 

519-523. 
between students and teachers, 

553-555. 
in the family, 159-161. 
of angels with parents and 

teachers, 18, 149, 170. 
of God with teachers, 170, 171. 
with God, 24, 100, 101, 284. 
Courses of study, dangers in long, 
87, 391, 404-419, 443-445, 
469, 496, 497. 
for children, 219. 
varying in length, 469, 470. 
Courtesy, in missionary effort, 93, 
94, 398. 
of teacher toward student, 93, 
94. 
Courtship, 88, 100. 

see also Deportment. 



564 



Counsels to Teachers 



Creation, authentic account of, 13. 
Cricket, 274, 456. 

match in Sydney, 344. 
Criticism, of teacher, 153-157, 161. 
Cross, place of, in education, 23. 

Dancing, 346. 

Daniel, example of, 283, 478, 496. 
David, choosing of, 44. 
Deportment, of students, 98-104. 

of teachers, 256-258. 
Development, 32, 237. 

an all-round, 87, 127, 130, 131, 
145, 148, 231, 232, 290, 295, 
296. 
continuous, 250, 256. 
how attained, 299, 300, 394, 

395. 
how retarded, 13. 
illustrated by parable, 140-144. 
of Christian experience, 416. 
physical, 79, 107, 108, 145-147. 
physical labor essential to, 307- 

314. 
source of true, in Word, 16, 45, 
139, 248. 

Diet, effect of, on mind and morals, 

297, 298. 
relation of, to health, 78, 79. 
see also Eating; Flesh as food. 
Discipline, Christian, 264-270. 

in the home, 110-113, 332, 333. 
love to be united with, 211, 212, 

265. 
mistaken, 74-76, 112, 113, 266. 
need of disciplinary talent, 211. 
parental, 74-76, 91, 110, 114, 

155, 156. 
principal to be disciplinarian, 

213, 214. 
public exposure of wrong-do- 
ing, 267, 268. 
results of mistaken, 75, 76, 113, 

192, 193. 
results of neglecting, 111, 112, 

117. 
results of right, 75, 76, 112- 

118. 
self-discipline, 95, 96, 170. 
teachers to be under, to Christ, 

170, 191-199. 
to be maintained, 98-102, 153- 

157, 174. 



Discouragements, 317. 
Disease, Christ's mission to remove, 
465, 466. 
relation of, to disobedience. 466. 

Disobedience, door to knowledge 
closed through, 440. 

Dress, becoming and durable, 302. 
effects of improper, 303-306. 
of children, 141. 
rational, 303, 305, 306. 
simplicity in, 302. 
tight-lacing, 305. 
used by Satan to destroy life, 
304. 

Eating, regularity in, 297, 298. 

see also Diet; Appetite. 
Education, an all-round, 531. 

basis of, 21-24, 82-37, 415, 505. 
children to have an all-round, 

109, 127. 
common branches, 168, IG9, 

173, 207, 208, 213, 214; 

value of, 215-219; neglect of, 

218; to be taught, 390. 
definition of, 36, 64, 331, 399, 

496. 
domestic, 149. 
false, 377, 400, 440, 441. 
first lesson in, 447. 
heart, 388. 
high standard in, 211, 386, 

387, 394, 441, 504-506. 
importance of early, 77, 80, 

107-131. 
in the home, 107-118, 119-131. 
mistakes in, 16, 49, 77, 78, 84, 

95, 203, 204, 213, 267, 268, 

404-419, 532, 533. 
object of, 21, 49-55, 64, 86, 

148, 157, 207, 300, 361, 451, 

452, 493-499, 505, 512, 513, 

539, 540. 
of Adam and Eve, 12. 
one-sided, 395. 
perils in worldly, 15, 16, 64, 

255, 532. 
place of Bible in, 13-15, 31, 52, 

53, 86, 88, 108, 181-184, 

249, 250, 395, 396, 421-426, 

427-430, 431-439. 
practical, 263, 280, 387, 388, 

392, 393. 
relation of, to society, 87, 88. 



General Index 



565 



Education — Continued. 

results of. 56-60, 91, 92, 94-96, 

142, 170. 226. 
results of wrong, 84, 85. 
right methods in, 5:5.3, 534. 
simplicity in, 435-437. 
to be liberal, 42-44. 
to include cross-bearing and 

sanctification, 449. 
true, 18, 31, 56, 73-85, 94, 95, 

167, 382. 
two kinds of, 25, 64. 
useless, 391-395. 
see also Higher education; 

Parents ; Teachers ; Schools ; 

Bible. 
Enthusiasm, 254, 255. 

necessary in the teacher, 180. 
Etiquette, 236. 
Examinations, evils in, 270. 

in elementary work, 215, 216. 
of ministers, 539. 
Exercise, benefits of, 269. 

for students, 285-293, 295, 307- 

317. 
for teachers, 281. 
physical, 83, 108, 235. 
some hours each day, 283. 
see also Labor; Industrial train- 
ing. 

Faith, 204. 

how gained, 159. 

lessons of, for childi-en, 182- 

184. 
of Moses, 408, 409. 
parents to exercise, 110, 128. 
teachers' need of, 183, 235, 236. 
value of, 60, 182-184, 223. 
Faithfulness, results of, to school, 

213. 
Familiarity between teachers and 

students, 256-258. 
Family, Bible study ia, 159, 160. 
greatest educational agency, 107. 
worship, 110, 241. 
see also Home; Parents; 
Mother; Father. 
Father, attitude of, toward children, 
127, 128. 
example of, 128. 
to be sharer in home govern- 
ment, 127, 128. 



Favoritism in schools, 175, 318. 
Fernando, instruction to teachers 

in, 205-210. 
Fiction, see Literature. 
Firmness, 226. 
Flesh as food, not to be used in 

schools, 298. 
see also Diet; Eating. 
Foreign missionaries, training of, 

523. 

Frivolity of worldly gatherings, 

336. 337. 
Fund, for worthy youth, 69, 70. 
to educate workers, 45. 



Games, 274, 366. 

at Avondale, 348-354. 
missionary work substituted 

for, 549, 552. 
purpose of Satan in, 274, 275, 

281. 
result of, 283. 
see also Recreation. 

God, greatness and power of, fifi, 
374, 375, 395, 396. 
in nature, 54, 55. 
knowledge of, 167. 
our relation to, 14. 
purpose of, for our schools, 9;"), 

96. 
purpose of, for youth, 9.1, 237. 

results of connection with, 91, 

92. 
service recognized bv, 117, 148, 

149. 
the source of power, 277. 
the teacher's dependence, 66, 67, 

151, 152, 230, 231. 
willingness of, to answer praver, 

223, 232. 
word and works of, 453-459. 
Grading, 177. 
Greek, study of, 218, 381, 382. 

Habits, effect of wrong, 299, 300. 
importance of correct, in teacher, 

76, 77. 
of carefulness, 123. 
of eating, 297, 298. 
of industry in children, 122- 

125. 
of ]ieatiH'SS and order, 211, 



566 



Counsels to Teachers 



Habits — Continued. 

of study, 296, 297, 394. 
to be in accordance with physi- 
cal law, 84. 
training the youth to form cor- 
rect, 84, 85, 110-112, 115, 
119-139, 150, 158, 159, 211, 
258, 265. 
wisdom needed in correcting 

wrong, 115. 
wrong, in speech, .247. 
Hannah, reward of, 143, 294-301. 
Health, voice culture and, 247. 
children to study laws of, 125, 

138. 
dangers to, in school life, 77- 

79, 83, 84. 
duty to preserve, 83, 84. 125, 

299, 300, 467. 
found in employment, 187. 
how preserved, 290, 291, 299. 
in teachei's, 177. 
need of, by teachers, 300, 301. 
Health reform, benefits derived 

from, 293. 
Heaven, interested in work for 
young, 148. 
principles of, to be revealed, 58. 
rest in. 280. 
High standard, for youth, 24, 100. 

354. 
Higher education, definition of. 445. 
exemplified by Christ, 33-37. 
how gained, 35-37, 388, 398, 

400. 
results of, 400. 
so-called, 15, 45. 
the true, 11-18, 45, 46. 
Higher school, 162. 

Christ the teacher, 209. 
school life a preparation for, 209. 
History, as commonly studied, 380. 
in Bible, 13, 52, 421, 425, 453. 
libraries of, 379, 380. 
sacred, 379, 380. 
Holidays, unto God, 341-345. 
how to spend, 346, 347. 
see also Recreation. 
Holy Spirit, an aid in study of 
Bible, 857. 
failure to recognize, 357-368. 
in our schools, 357, 358, 36>9- 
375, 385. 



Holy Spirit — Continued. 
in the Word. 171. 
mother's need of, 128. 
results of receiving, 68. 
the teacher's helper, 67, 68, 171, 
172. 357-362. 
work of, 37-39, 90, 169, 170, 
172, 223, 238, 324, 376. 

Home, Bible study in, 138. 139, 
159, 160, 171, 181-184. 

discipline, 110-113. 

helpfulness in, 122-125. 

location of, 124. 

making attractive, 113-115, 160. 

ministry of angels in, 110, 115. 

opportunity for training in, 162. 

reading circle in, 138, 139. 

school in, 107-131, 

work of, 478. 
Home schools, purpose of, 158-161. 

see also Home. 
Home-training, 149. 

importance of, 162, 396. 

results of, 91, 92, 150, 161. 
Hospitals, youth to work in, 470. 
House-to-house work, 494, 540. 
Humility, 53. 

need of, 235, 419. 

self-knowledge leads to, 67. 
Hygiene, evils through ignorance of, 
125, 126. 

instruction in, to be given, 520. 

practical, in home. 125. 



Idleness. 62, 149. 

lesson from the ant. 190. 
results of, 275, 278. 
stagnant pool and flowing brook, 
275. 
Isrnorance, not acceptable to God, 

149. 
Illustrations, Christ's use of, 140- 
142, 178, 179, 261. 
use of, 181, 182, 254, 261. 
Industrial training, a safeguard 
against evil, 122-125. 
Christ's example in, 147. 
financial aspect of, 315-317. 
for children, 108. 122-125, 145- 
148. 



Crcncrnl huh 



567 



Industrial — Continued. 

for children of wealthy, 147, 

148. 
in intermediate schools, 203, 

208, 211, 212. 
in Israel, 59, 275, 276. 
need of, 83, 84, 88, 317. 
value of. 125. 

see also Cooking: Labor; 
Trades: Physical exercise. 
Industry, lesson of. to l»e learned. 
279, 280. 
result of. 274. 275. 
reward of, 318. 
Individuality, of children, to be 
preserved, 73-77. 
of students, to be studied, 231. 
Infidel authors, 25-27, 30. 31, 401, 
402, 443, 441, 458, 459. 
as text-books in our schools, 187. 
result of studying, 444. 
source of wisdom of, 25-27, 378. 
to be shunned, 135. 
Infidelity, 397. 

cause of. 390, 439, 440. 
text-books teaching. 187. 
warning against, 15, 16, 26, 27. 
Influence, 242, 243. 

of association, 173, 220-226. 
of students in school. 98, 99, 

102. 
of teachers' work, 104. 
of wrong-doers, 268. 
to be accounted for, to God. 224. 
Integrity, 226. 
Intellect, how dwarfed. 441. 

how strengthened, 396, 441, 

442, 444, 445, 451-453. 
importance of cultivating. 291. 
improvement of, 226. 
Intermediate schools, 203-226. 
Bible in, 203, 206, 207. 
industrial training in. 203, 208, 

210, 211, 213, 214. 
language studv in, 205-208, 

215-219. 
not to boast of advanced studies, 

205-207, 222. 
practical education in, 210, 211, 

215-219. 
preparatory work in, 210. 211. 
students in, not to choose 
studies, 215. 



Intermediate — Continued. 

workers to bo trained in, 203, 
209, 210. 
Israel, idolatry of, at Sinai, 351. 
industrial training in, 275, 276. 
lessons from experiences of. 59. 
60. 

Knowledge, experimental, 97, 

lost through disobedience, 440. 

of God, 248: how gained, 461: 
how to be regarded by stu- 
dents. 406. 447: the basis of 
education, 387-395, 441, 442. 

of self necessary. 67. 

source of true, 360. 361. 399. 
400. 453. 

speculative, 248, 249. 

the essential, 11-18, 27-31. 

tree of. 12. 
. true, how gained, 360, 361, 453. 

Labor, 84, 234, 235. 

a tonic, 278. 

Christ's example in, 1 11, 276, 
277, 296. 

dignity of, 273-280. 

God's purpose in, 273, 274. 

health in, 187. 

in Eden, 273. 

in intermediate schools, 203, 
208, 211, 212. 

in Israel, 307. 

for students, 296, 307-317. 

for teachers, 281. 

not degrading, 291. 

Paul's example in, 279, 280. 

physical, for children, 122-125, 
286, 287. 

results of, 308-314. 

safeguard against evil, 274-2 78. 

Sunday, 550, 551. 

see also Exercise ; Industrial 
training; Cooking. 
Language, correct, 216, 238, 239. 

incorrect, 238, 239. 

power of, 217. 
Languages, 206, 219. 

knowledge of, important, 518. 

knowledge of mother tongue 
more important than of for- 
eign, 207, 208, 215, 216, 219. 

study of, 497, 508, 515, 516. 



568 



Counsels to Teachers 



Latin, study of, 218, 381, 382. 
Law, 62. 

obedience to physical, 125-127. 

of God, a hedge, 453, 454. 

immutability of, 248. 

result of transgressing, 81. 
Literary societies, 541-544. 
Literature, 89. 

choice of good, 132-139. 

effect of, on morals, 387, 388. 

high-class fiction, 383, 384. 

importance of studying our, 137, 
138. 

myths and fairy tales, 383, 384. 

sensational, 133-135. 

worthless, 132-138. 
Literature, denominational, to be 
circulated, 398, 530. 

results of sale of, 524-530. 

sale of, 524-530, 546, 547. 

sale of "Chri.st's Object Lessons" 
by teachers, 529, 530. 
Loma Linda, 251, 471. 

character and work of, 479-481. 
Tiove, in the home, 115, 116. 

of Christ for children and vonth, 
179, 180. 

of teachers for students, 253, 
267-270. 

rules to be administered in, 114, 
115, 212. 

true, of parents, 112, 114. 
Lucifer, see Satan. 



Manual work, see Labor; Industrial 

training; Exercise; Cooking. 
Magazines, story, 120, 121, 133. 
Medical missionary, aim of the, 470, 
471, 519, 522, 523. 
evangelists, work of, 471. 
the great Medical Missionary, 

482. 
training of the, 473, 519, 520. 
training schools, students to at- 
tend, 469, 470. 
work of the, 465-473. 
Medical missionary work, believers 
to engage in, 465-473. 
children to take part in, 170, 

177. 
preparation for, in the home, 
138. 



Medical — Continued. 

pioneer work of the gospel, 465. 
training for, in school, 251. 
Medical student, see Student, the 

medical. 
Methods of labor, 467-471. 

Christ's, 261, 262; to be fol- 
lowed, 266. 
Ministers, aged, as counselors, 516, 
517, 536. 
cause of lack in, 460, 461, 538, 

539. 
examination of, 539. 
qualifications of, 500, 514, 515, 
537-539. 
"Ministry of Healing," selling of, 
by students, 525. 
results of sale of, 525-528. 
Missionaries, training of, 514-516. 
young men as, 514-518. 
see also Medical missionary; 
Youth; Students; Workers. 
Missionary work, by students, 203, 
545-555. 
in Avondale school, 549-552. 
in the home, 160, 161. 
of the teacher, 160, 161, 168. 
need of, 398. 
preparation for, 469-476, 514- 

518. 
training for, to be given, 168. 
Moses, 30, 59. 

education of, 406-409, 417. 
failure of, 407. 
faith of, 408, 409. 
Mother, example and faith of, 128. 
need of the Holy Spirit by, 128. 
to pray with child, 117. 
to share children's pleasures, 

124. 
to study physiology, 125. 
the child's first teacher, 145, 146. 
work of. 111, 144. 
Music, for nervous children, 145. 

Nature, a lesson-book for children 

and youth, 79, 80, 124, 125, 

142, 146. 
a revelation of God, 54, 55, 79, 

185-190. 
lessons from, 114, 140-143, 185- 

190. 
results of study of, 185-188. 



General Index 



569 



Nature — Continued. 
studied in Eden, 186. 
used bv Christ, 140-142, ITS- 
ISO, 240, 261. 
Novel-reading, evils of, 120, 121, 
133-135. 
see also Literature. 

Obedience, to be taught, 110-113, 
150. 

Christ's example of, 141. 

nothing so pleasing to God as, 
111. 

results of teaching, 112, 113. 

to be required, 153. 

to God's law, 454-456. 
Object-lessons, in nature, 185, 190. 

of the good shepherd, 198. 

use of, in Bible study, 181, 182. 
Old Testament Scriptures, 455, 456. 

study of, with New, 462, 463. 
Order, 175. 

Overstudv, danger in, 285, 295, 296, 
317, 405, 406. 

Parents, as character-builders, 61- 
63, 107-131, 150, 162. 

as teachers, 73, 79, 85, 107- 
131, 140-149. 

co-operation of angels with, 149. 

indulgent, 82, 111, 112, 264. 

neglect by, 91, 280. 

responsibility of, 15, 41-47, 78, 
79, 91, 92, 107-118, 128- 
131, 145-149, 200, 205, 285, 
286, 325, 326, 332, 333. 

results of work of, 91, 109-118, 
129-131, 142-144, 161. 

to co-operate with teachers, 91, 
146, 150-157. 

to guard association of children, 
119-121, 132. 

to join in children's play, 115, 
123. 

to maintain right discipline, 74- 
76, 91, 110, 114, 155, 156. 

to preserve individuality in chil- 
dren, 73-76. 

to study and teach the laws of 
health, 78-80, 82-84, 125- 
127. 

to study physiology, 78, 125, 
126. 

work of, 118, 258. 

see, also Family; Father; Home; 
Mother. 



Parties of pleasure, 337-340. 
result of, 366, 367. 

Patience, teachers' need of. 97, 

191-193, 196, 197, 208, 209, 

211, 212, 235, 236, 264, 265, 

495. 

fruit of, 269, 270. 

the mother's need of, 124, 128. 

Perseverance, 226. 

lesson from the ant in, 190, 318. 

Physician, character of work of, 

472, 473, 487, 488. 
Christ the only reliance of, 480. 
duties of, 472, 473. 
example of, 491. 
honesty in, 486. 
moral character of, 487, 488. 
responsibility of, 397, 398. 
skepticism and atheism among, 

478, 479. 
training of, 473. 

Physiology, importance of, 83, 294, 
295. 

parents to teach, 77, 125, 126. 
Prayer, 241-247. 

Christian's need of, 323. 

efficiency through, 254, 258. 

God's willingness to answer, 241. 

in the home, 110, 117, 128. 

of parents for children, 223, 224. 

of seeker for truth, 450. 

results of, 131, 172, 323. 

teachers' need of, 172, 183, 231. 
Policy not to control, 485, 486. 
Popularity, schools not to sock for, 

206, 207. 
Principal of schools to be a strong 
man, 213, 214. 

Principle, lack of, 81. 

to control, 76, 84, 333. 
Principles of youth to be guarded, 

121. 
Prizes, 200, 205, 270. 
Public schools, see Schools; Schools 

of the world. 
Punishment, corporal, how to ad- 
minister, 116-118. 
Purity, 60. 

lost through wrong associations, 

22U. 
need of, in teacher, 256-258, 



570 



Counsels to Teachers 



Reading, choice of, for vouth, 132- 

139. 
clear pronunciation in, 207, 208 

216, 217, 239, 240, 245, 247^ 
novel-reading, 120. 121, 1;13- 

135. 

parents to provide good, 121. 
see also Books; Literature. 
Redemption, 462. 

as related to higher education, 
13, 14, 45, 46. 

plan of, to be studied, 398. 
Recreation, 84, 88, 336, 337. 

beneficial, 288, 346, 347. 

for children, 113, 114, 123, 124. 

needful, 346. 

see also Amusements; Baseball; 
Chess: Cricket; Games; The- 
ater-going. 

Refinement, true, 270. 

Reform, health, to be taught at 

Loma Linda, 251. 
Relief work, see "Christ's Object 
Lessons;" "Ministry of Heal- 
ing;" Scholarships. 
Religion, a guide to happiness, 335. 
in the daily life, 98. 
need of, 53. 
power of, 51. 

relation of, to education, 108, 
109. 

to control the life, 277, 279. 

Religious exercises, character of, 

502. 

Reproof, how to give, 113, 114, 212. 

result of timely, 115. 
Respect, children to be taught. 111. 
Reverence, children to learn, 110. 

revealed by obedience, 111. 
Riches, danger in, 286, 287. 
"Robinson Crusoe," 136. 
Routine, 394. 
Rnles, contempt for, 264. 

to be administered in love, 114. 

to be few and well-oi'dered, 153. 

Sabbath-school lesson, memorizing 
the, 137, 138. 

study of, in home, 137. 
Samuel, 488. 

example of, 537. 



(sanitariums, consecration of work- 
ers in, 522. 

co-operation of, with schools, 
519-523. 
Sanctification, included in true edu- 
cation, 449. 
Satan, character of, 325. 

as a Bible student, 390. 

deceptions of, 26-28, 90, 92 96 
97, 121, 122, 134, 135, 257* 
278. 

education of, 378. 

efforts of, against Bil)le studv, 
461. 

efforts of, to control, 92, 205 

237. 
ever on the watch, 283. 

infidel authors inspired bv, 25- 
27. 

policy of, 274, 275, 281, 325 

337, 340, 344, 345, 384, 442 

456, 494. 
rebellion of. 32, 33. 
Scholarships, how to earn, 524-528. 
Schools, agriculture in, 288 289 

310, 311. 
character of education in our 

56-58, 64, 86, 96, 250. 394- 

396, 535, 540, 545, 546, 548 

549. 
high standard in our, 56, 400. 
home church school, 158-162. 
in new fields, 531. 
location of, 309, 310, 514. 
medical missionary training in, 

499, 500. 
need of establishing, 44, 45. 
need of many small, 173. 
not to bear stamp of one man. 

87. 

not to strive for popularity, 88, 

94. 
object of, 495, 497, 500, 501, 

514, 515. 
public, dangers in, 204, 205. 
purpose of, 88, 204, 205, 264, 

265. 
test of prosperity in, 94. 
to be like schools of prophets, 

282, 353, 548, 549. 
to co-operate with sanitariums, 

519-523. 
to teach God's word, 377-380, 
to train workers, 86, 87, 149, 

203, 204, 209, 210, 251, 524- 

528. 



Geiirral Index 



571 



Schools — Conti)iiii'il. 

union conference training-schools 

to eive preparatory medical 

training, 479, 480. 
value of land in connection with, 

186, 187. 
work of angels in, 57, 170. 
worldly education in our, 15, 

16, 86. 
see also Education: Exercise; 

Industrial training; Labor. 

School of Christ, 50-52. 

results of learning in, 172. 
teachers to learn in, G5, 191, 

211, 212. 265, 266. 

Schools of the prophets, 276, 282, 

373. 
methods of teaching in, 430. 
our schools to be like, 168, 208, 

282, 353, 548, 549. 
the Bible in, 421-423. 
Schools of the world, 64. 

peril in attending, 45, 374, 381, 

382, 478, 479. 
plans of, not to be followed in 

our schools, 56-58, 88, 89. 
Science, and the Bible, 425, 426. 
books of, in our schools, 187. 
how to be studied, 447, 530. 
of salvation all-important, 19- 

24; to be mastered, 20. 
place of, in education, 19, 86, 

395, 426, 441, 442, 477, 486, 

505, 510, 511. 
speculative, 377, 378, 423. 
true, God the author of, 426. 
Scriptures, memorizing, 137, 138. 
recommended for study, 455, 

457. 
see also Bible : Bible teaching 

and study. 

Self-control, 332. 

in character-building, 222. 

in the teacher, 77, 191-197, 211, 

212, 232, 233, 257. 
in youth, 98. 

to be taught, 73, 85, 111-113, 
127, 150. 

Self-improvement, 37, 67, 510. 

Selfishness in children to be re- 
buked, 112, 113, 123. 

Self-knowledge, 419. 

Self-pleasing, 345, 347. 



Self-seeking, rebuked by Christ, 34, 
35. 

result of, 32, 33, 232, 233. 

to be put away, 397. 
Sei-mon on the mount, 439. 

Service, a means to efficiency, 507, 

508. 
consecrated, 522, 523. 
education a fitting for, 493-499. 
efficiency for, 500-506. 
of Christ for men, 34-37, 259- 

263, 495. 
reward of, 518. 
training for, in intermediate 

schools, 203, 209, 210, 212. 
see also Missionary work ; 

Schools ; Workers. 

Simplicitv, an encouragement to 

students, 269, 270. 
Christ's example of, 180, 240, 

250, 261, 381. 
in children, 141, 142. 
in lessons from nature, 185, 186. 
in teacher's work, 214, 435, 536. 
in work of parents, 109. 
loss of, through wrong associates, 

220. 
of Godliness, part of education, 

433-437, 448. 
teachers to work in, 169, 170, 

210, 211, 250, 254, 255. 

Skepticism, among phvsicians, 478, 
479. 

causes of, 390. 

fostered by worldly education, 
377, 378. 

in youth, 377. 

not supported by true science, 
423. 

results of, 424, 425. 

see also Infidelity; Infidel au- 
thors. 
Social relations, of parents and chil- 
dren, 76, 77. 

of students, 98-104. 

of teacher and student, 70, 77, 
256-258. 

to be governed by divine stand- 
ards, 256. 

see also Associations. 
Society, obligations of youth to, 84, 
relation of, to education, 46, 47, 
129, 130. 



572 



Counsels to Teachers 



Speech, example of Christ, 239, 240. 
gift of, 216, 2J.7, 238-240, 245. 
gift of, abused, 238-247. 
of Christians and of worldlings, 

443. 
value of, 240, 241, 254, 255. 

Stories, love, 133. 
of crime, 133. 

sensational, results of reading, 
133-135. 
Strength, need of, by physicians, 
478. 
physical, a talent, 277. 
value of, 285, 286. 
Student, the medical, 474-484. 

aim of, 474, 475, 481, 482, 484- 

491. 
co-operation of, with teachers, 
552-555. 

dangers of, 477-479, 482. 

duty of, to study Bible, 483, 
484. 

not to be controlled by policy, 
485, 486. 

to have close connection with 
Christ, 485-487. 

to keep unspotted from the 
world, 478. 

to obey regulations, 482. 

training of, 475, 476, 480, 481, 
485-491. 

work of, for fellow-students, 
551-553. 
Students, aids of, in preparation for 
service, 499. 

aim of, 417, 418, 496-499. 

as colporteurs, 546. 

as nurses, canvassers, evange- 
lists, 493, 546. 

as singing evangelists, 547, 548. 

benefits and perils to, in asso- 
ciates, 220-226. 

consideration of, 101. 

counsel to, 218, 219. 

deportment of, 98-104. 

discipline of, 98-102, 267-270. 

dull, 93, 192. 

God the dependence of, 410, 
411. 

not to overstudy, 296, 297. 
object of, in seeking education, 
218, 219. 



Students — Cdntinued. 

obligations to society, 46, 47, 84. 

physical exercise for, 283, 285- 
293, 296, 307-315. 

practical training of, 469, 470. 

reward of faithfulness of, 512, 
513. 

sale of "Christ's Object Les- 
sons" and "M i n i s t r y of 
Healing" by, 524, 528. 

self-supporting, 524-528. 

to co-operate with teachers, 224, 
225. 

to become Bible workers, 431. 

to be given time for missionary 
work, 545, 546. 

to be trained to self-control, 98, 

to place themselves under dis- 
cipline, 264, 265. 

to regard knowledge of God as 
first, 447. 

to set standard high, 21, 22, 
218, 219, 265, 283, 284. 

to study Christ's life and teach- 
ings, 36. 

training of, for service, 382, 
473, 493-499, 534, 545-555. 

unpromising, to be helped, 498. 

Study, results of too great devotion 
to, 404-406, 412-416. 

Success, in education, 21. 

stepping-stones to, 60. 

true, how to gain, 422, 423. 
Sunday labor, 550, 551. 

Sympathy, between parents and 

children, 156, 157. 
between parents and teachers, 

155-157. 
between teachers and students, 

265, 502, 503. 
students' need of, 94, 97. 



Talents, 512, 5l3. 

Christians to improve, 491. 

faithful use of, 234. 

increase of, by use, 234, 426, 

545. 
of knowledge and influence, 451, 
of speech, 217, 238-247. 
of strength, 278. 
of time, 475, 476. 



General hidex 



573 



Teachers, aims of, 96, 229, 230, 
246. 
apparent failure of, 503, 504. 
appeal to, 235, 236, 360, 361. 
as character-builders, 419. 

attitude of, toward unpromising 
vouth, 93, 192-207, 264, 267. 
268. 

character of work of, 17, 21-24, 
56, 57, 61, 64-68, 73. 74, 77, 
85, 93. 94. 149-152. 170. 
175, 176, 184, 191-199. 229- 
236, 249, 250. 253-255, 258, 
261. 360. 361. 371-373. 400, 
402, 403. 497. 498, 501-504. 
522, 554, 555. 

cheerfulness in, 191, 232-235. 
Christ the guide of, 453. 
consecration in, 94, 152, 229. 
discouragements of, 503, 504. 
example and influence of, 47, 

48, 56. 57, 65, 93-96, l.")0- 

152, 184. 197. 232. 23.T. 
failure of, to recognize the Holy 

Spirit, 357. 358, 365-3G8. 
high standard in. required, 67. 

68, 90, 229, 230, 263. 
Jewish, in Christ's day, 29, 438. 

439. 
need of conversion in, 359. 
need of Holy Spirit, 357-361. 
need of physical vigor, 300, 301. 
needs of, 97, 191-199, 229- 

236, 248. 
opportunities before, 96. 
physical labor for, 281. 
physical qualifications of, 177. 
preparation of, 64, 65, 73, 229, 

230, 250. 
qualifications of, 31, 70, 77, 

127, 150, 151, 168, 180, 191- 

199, 211, 212, 229-236. 539, 

540. 
relation of, to students, 76, 77, 

93, 203, 208-211, 232, 233, 

256-258, 264-270, 502, 503. 
responsibility of, 48, 77, 78, 90, 

91, 95. 96, 167. 170. 171, 

230, 231, 264-270, 281, 282, 

331, 332, 376, 387-391, 397, 

398, 502-504. 
results of work of. 48, 67, 68, 

76, 85, 94-96, 150, 152, 157, 

191, 235, 236, 263. 
reward of, 435. 



Teachers — Continued. 

sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" 

by, 529, 530. 
to be practical, 234. 
to discipline vouth, 91, 155, 211, 

212, 264. 265. 
to exemplify Christ, 152, 249, 

252. 
to have close connection with 

God, 373. 
to preserve dignity, 93, 256- 

258. 
to study Christ's methods, 17, 

18, 239, 240, 250, 261-203. 
to study God's works, 453, 450, 

457. 
to study plans. 92. 
to study the Bible. 352, 353. 
to witness for God, 89, 94, 95, 

242-247. 
to work unitedly, 87, 92. 
training of, in our schools, 44, 

493. 494. 
unfaithful, 95. 232. 
worldly wise, perils of, 371- 

373, 439, 440. 
wrong motives in, 232. 
Teacher, of Bible, in medical school, 

483. 
qualifications of, 431-435. 
relation of, to students, 43.'^- 

437. 

Temper, a happy, 127, 170. 232, 
233; necessary for teachers, 
191, 193. 
a hasty, to be restrained. 112. 
117, 124, 152, 170, 195-197, 
212. 
results of an evil, 117, 194-196. 
Tennis, 350. 

Theology, libraries on, unnecessary 
to preparation for service, 
379, 380. 
Thoroughness. 62, 143. 208, 211, 
214-216. 218, 229. 
in the teacher, 199. 
Text-books, containing wrong senti- 
ments, 387, 388, 401, 402. 
the Bible as a, 448. 
to be prepared, 458. 
Theater- going, results of, 334, 335. 

Third angel's message, 500, 532, 
548. 



MAY 19 1913 



574 



Counsels to Teachers 



Trades, 83, 84. 

in schools, 288, 289, 307, 308, 
310-312. 

teaching of, in Israel, 307. 
Training for service, 99. 

see also Education; Students: 
Teachers ; Workers. 
Tree of knowledge, 12. 

fruit of, 360, 361. 
Tuitions, low, 68-70. 



"Uncle Tom's Cabin," 136. 
Unity, 90. 

among teachers, 87, 92, 96, 97. 

among workers, 522. 

in the home, 127-129. 

of teachers and principal, 87. 
Usefulness, training youth to, 263, 
280. 

Ventilation of schoolrooms, 298, 

299. 
Voice, consecration of the, 245, 246. 
music of the, 239. 
of Christ, 239, 240. 
pathos of, 253, 254. 
use of, in worship, 238-247. 
Voice training, 112, 113, 216, 217, 
239, 240, 245-247, 297, 539. 
Will of children, to be directed, not 

broken, 116. 
Workers, Christ's promise to, 466. 
Christ the dependence of, 410. 
evangelical, to be associated 
with medjcal missionaries, 
467-469. 
in different lines, 518, 521. 
influence of, 468. 
need of consecrated, 204, 409, 

410. 
preparation of, 404-419. 
qualifications of, 509, 510. 
responsibility of, 397, 398. 
self-improvement of, 510. 
training of, 42-46, 86, 96, 203, 
204, 209, 210, 251, 473, 524, 
534, 555. 



World, unity among, 522. 
love of, 235. 

youth to be shielded from 
fluence of, il9. 



Youth, appeal to, 223-226. 

as character-builders, 61-63, 87, jr''''s!J--J' 

88, 220-226. Ip 

association of, 100-104. <3l<^ 

dangers of, 327, 328, 344, 345._^j^j|— -- 
dutv of church toward, 41-47,11''%^ 

96, 97. mJ 

God's helping hand, 488. 
home training of, 501. 

impatience of, under restr: ' 

327. 
importance of forming corr" 

habits in, 80, 81, 84, 1 

150. 
influence of, 98, 99, 102, 22- 

226. 
influence of wrong associations! 

upon, 542. 
obligations of society ui)on, 84. 
of Christ, 178. 
opportunities of, 284. 
place of, in God's work, 512, 

535-540, 549. 
principle to control, 333. -^iilZ!!:; 

promises to, 63, 330. fi^t 

reading for, 132-139. Mo ■ 

to be burden-bearers, 535-540. ^4^ 
to be learners in school of Christ, ^ ^ 

50-52. )"« ^ 

to be missionaries, 130, 131,- 

160, 168. 
to be pure in speech, 238. ^ 

to be trained for service, 493- 

499, 508. 
to discipline themselves, 265. | 
to earn schooling, 69, 70, 524,i 

525. 
undisciplined, 331, 332. 
why led into temptation, 442. ) 
why lost to cause, 500, 501. 
young men as missiouariess, 514- \o 

518. 



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